Waikato conservation groups
Introduction
Get involved with conservation groups working with DOC in Waikato.Listed below are some volunteer based groups that you can get involved with. You'll learn new skills, meet like-minded people, contribute to conservation, and increase your connection to your local community and natural spaces.
For more conservation volunteer opportunities in Waikato volunteer for a DOC project.
Friends of Barrett Bush
Aim: To restore a remnant stand of kahikatea at Barret Bush, west of Hamilton. The Friends have been instrumental in acquiring land to add to this scenic reserve and hold regular working bees each month to undertake weeding, planting and animal pest control.
Contact: Betty Collins
Email: collinsbetty65@gmail.com
Phone: +64 7 847 8271
Friends of Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve
Aim: To protect and enhance this 40 ha reserve 20 minutes north of Hamilton. Volunteer working bees involve track maintenance, bird monitoring, removal of invasive weeds especially privet, and the planting of native trees.
Email: info@pukemokemoke.nz
Friends of Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve website
Hamilton City Restoration Groups
Aim: Hamilton City Council has a goal to restore nature in the city, by increasing native vegetation cover from 2% to 10% by 2050. We’re working with community groups and residents to restore and protect our gullies and natural areas. To get involved in community plantings, pest plant control and maintenance
Kakepuku Mountain Conservation Society
Aim: The Kakepuku Mountain Conservation Society was established in 1995 and consists of highly dedicated volunteers who engage in pest management activities throughout the year to reduce the impact of pests on the forest and native bird populations on Kakepuku. Please contact us by email if you wish to be involved in the group, we always welcome new members.
Email: kakepumountain@gmail.com
Kakepuku Mountain Conservation Society Facebook page
Karioi Project
Aim: To restore biodiversity from mountain to sea. The Karioi Project works with the Whāingaroa community to deliver predator control, seabird monitoring and environmental education.
Contact: Jasmine Edgar
Email: karioi.volunteer@arocha.org
National Wetland Trust
Aim: To restore and enhance an ancient peat lake and mature kahikatea forest inside a pest fence near Ohaupo, including reconstructing rare peat bogs and developing facilities for the National Wetland Centre.
Contact: Karen Denyer
Email: enquiries@wetlandtrust.org.nz
National Wetland Trust website
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari | Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust
Aim: To continue species re-introductions and breeding programmes to create biodiversity in a sound ecological environment. Volunteers are an essential part of our conservation team and are passionate supporters of the work we do. Volunteers contribute to species monitoring, track maintenance, weed control and more.
Email: info@sanctuarymountain.co.nz
Phone: +64 7 870 5180
Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust website
Pirongia Te Aroara o Kahu Restoration Society
Aim: To restore the native ecosystems of Mt Pirongia. The society successfully reintroduced North Island robin and North Island kōkako and manages remnant populations of Dactylanthus taylorii. The society also runs the Okahukura project in Pureora Forest Park.
Email: mtpirongiarestoration@gmail.com
Phone:+64 21 886 971
Pirongia Te Aroara o Kahu Restoration Society website
Pirongia Te Aroara o Kahu Restoration Society Facebook page
Port Waikato Beachcare
Aim: To enhance the local environment through dune restoration planting and native shorebird protection – New Zealand dotterel, banded dotterel and variable oystercatcher. Over the winter months the dune restoration project involves the planting of native sand-binders and coastal forest species.
Contact: Niels Leffelaar
Email: portwaikatobeachcare@gmail.com
Predator Free Cambridge
Aim: A community group to support Cambridge residents with the removal of introduced predators – rats, possums and mustelids. The focus is to protect native flora and fauna and increase biodiversity.
Contact: Karen Barlow
Email: karen@goeco.org.nz
Predator Free Hakarimata
Aim: To protect the native flora and fauna of the Hakarimata Ranges by removing introduced predators: rats, possums, mustelids, wild cats and hedgehogs from the maunga.
Email: predatorfreehakarimata@hotmail.com
Predator Free Hakarimata Facebook page
Predator Free Hamilton
Aim: The Predator-free Hamilton Trust (PFH) was established in 2016 with a vision that Hamilton is an attractive, liveable city where native plants and animals flourish. PFH aims to achieve this vision by working with Hamilton iwi, residents, institutions, and agencies to encourage, support and coordinate the effective and humane control and eradication of pests for the city's ecological wellbeing.
Contact: Ellen Webb
Email: ellen@envirocentre.org.nz
Predator Free Waikato – Go Eco
Predator Free Te Awamutu
Aim: To clear the Mangapiko of rats and other predators, encourage backyard trapping and record statistics on birdlife and catches.
Email: contact@predatorfreeteawamutu.org.nz
Phone: Hilary, +64 22 3224669
Predator Free Te Awamutu Facebook page
Rotopiko Community Pest Control Project
Aim: To reduce pest animal populations and provide a safe haven for native wetland wildlife, including matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern), matata (fernbird) and puweto (spotless crake) around North and South Lakes, Rotopiko, Ohaupo.
Contact: Nardene Berry
Email: nardene.berry@landcare.org.nz
Rotopiko Community Pest Control Project website
Te Pahu LandCare Group
Aim: To protect and enhance Te Pahū’s natural indigenous environment and recreational opportunities through community awareness and involvement for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone.
Contact: Nardene Berry
Email: landcare@tepahu.co.nz