Community project volunteers
The Department of Conservation works closely with community groups, trusts and other agencies to further conservation projects on and off public conservation lands.
Groups within the Wellington region include:
Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust
Matiu/Somes Island Charitable Trust/Friends of Matiu
Whareroa Guardians Community Trust
Friends of Waikanae River
Waikanae Estuary Care Group
Keep Otaki Beautiful
Waitohu Stream Care
The Friends of Otaki River
Aims: The Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust is working in partnership with the local community and tangata whenua - with support from DOC, local bodies and interested groups - to protect and restore the unique flora and fauna of the Rimutaka Forest Park near Wellington. It is always keen to hear from anyone prepared to take a more active role in its activities.
Contact: For contact details visit the Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust website
Aims: Helping to protect, nurture and enhance Matiu/Somes Island by raising funds for projects which increase biodiversity and enhance visitors' enjoyment of the island. Encouraging community support and involvement in special projects and hands-on work.
Contact:
Aims: Restoration goals and projects which enhance visitors' enjoyment of Whareroa Farm, a coastal setting near Paekakariki and Queen Elizabeth Park near MacKays Crossing SH1. The trust encourages community support and involvement in hands-on work.
Contact: Ann Evans. Ph: +64 4 904 7114. Email whareroa.guardians@gmail.com
Aims: The friends plant and maintain the Waikanae Riverbank from SH 1 to the sea. They also have a nursery where they grow seedlings until they are ready for planting. They need help with maintenance to free plants of weeds. Monthly work bees held on first and third Mondays, 9am - 11am.
Contact: Feriel Falconer. Ph: +64 4 904 3579 Email: r.falconer@paradise.net.nz
Aim: A group of locals are restoring and preserving the native flora and fauna of the Waikanae Estuary area. A planting plan is being put into actions under the guidance of DOC and local council. The group has regular working bees in the shade house as well as planting and releasing.
Contact: Lyn Whiley. Ph: +64 4 905 2748 Email: linze.kea@paradise.net.nz
Website: Greater Wellington Regional Council
back to top
Aim: Overseeing the wellbeing of QE Park near Paekakariki, its walkways and green spaces. The group is currently involved in the restoration of the Whareroa Stream. All community help is welcome.
Contact: John Lancashire. Ph: +64 4 902 1766 Email: lancs@paradise.net.nz
Aim: A voluntary group concerned with Otaki environment. Its specific project is the development of the Pareomatangi Reserve. The group meets regularly on Tuesday mornings at the reserve.
Contact: Barrie Bayston. Ph: +64 6 354 8887 or Lloyd Chapman +64 6 364-6193 Email: trinity.farm@xtra.co.nz
Aim: This voluntary group works together to care for Otaki's Waitohu Stream and associated wetland and dunes, home to abundant wildlife, native birds, plants and fish. It grows its own plants form locally sourced seed at its nursery and plants out more than 1000 plants per year. The group also does a monthly bird count. Working bees are every Monday 10am-12 noon, starting at its Moana St nursery.
Contact: Geoff Monk. Ph: +64 6 364 5986. Email: gmonk@actrix.co.nz
Aim: The Friends most important role is to monitor the implementation and maintenance of the Otaki Flood Plain Management Plan. They are also very involved in the environmental enhancement of the Otaki River with plantings of native grasses, flaxes and trees.
Contact: Max Lutz. Ph: +64 6 364 5569 or Barrie Bayston. Ph: +64 6 364 8887
back to top