As the days grow shorter, life across the southern hemisphere begins to slow down. Nature gradually shifts toward a season of rest, gathering energy for the next cycle of growth.
For us, it’s also a lovely time to give something back to te taiao (the natural environment).
Proudly supported by Henderson-Massey Local Board, here are a few easy ways to get involved close to home. No need to travel far across Auckland - some of the most meaningful environmental action is happening right here in our neighbourhood.
Join the celebration at EcoFest
Photo credit: EcoMatters Environment Trust.
Every year, something special happens when EcoFest rolls around.
What began more than a decade ago as a small West Auckland celebration has grown into a region-wide festival of sustainability, creativity, and community action.
Now in its 14th year, EcoFest runs from 22 March to 22 April, offering more than 300 events across the region.
The events are wonderfully varied and hands-on. You might find yourself learning to weave a kono (a small basket) from harakeke, making reusable beeswax food wraps, or hearing from people who are helping protect Auckland’s heritage fruit trees.
Check out the festival today on the Ecofest website.
Cycle along to the Henderson Bike Hub
Shane Price, the bicycle chap. Photo credit: EcoMatters Environment Trust
For many people, riding a bike brings back simple pleasures - fresh air, freedom, and the feeling of gliding down the street under your own power.
But getting started can feel daunting if your bike needs fixing or you’re unsure about riding on the road.
That’s where the Henderson Bike Hub comes in.
Housed at 14 Edmonton Road, the hub has become one of Henderson’s favourite neighbourhood hangouts. Here, locals drop in to fix bikes, learn new skills, or simply share a chat.
The hub is run by EcoMatters, a passionate local non-for-profit dedicated to helping communities reconnect with the environment.
At the heart of the space is “the bicycle chap” Shane. Whether you need help adjusting your brakes, advice on safe cycling, or access to tools to repair your bike, Shane is always happy to lend a hand.
Even if you don’t own a bike yet, it’s worth stopping by. Chances are you will leave with new confidence and skills, and a few good stories!
Help remove moth plant in your neighbourhood
Photo credit: EcoMatters Environment Trust
If you spot a vine with large green pods climbing through trees or fences, you may have come across one of Auckland’s most troublesome invaders.
Each pod can release hundreds - sometimes up to a thousand seeds, which travel on the wind and quickly spread through forests, reserves, and stream edges. Once established, the vines climb high into the canopy, smothering the plants beneath them.
Autumn is the perfect time to take action. The pods are nearly ready to burst, and every one removed helps slow the spread.
To make things more fun, Henderson-Massey Local Board would love to invite you to take part in the Henderson-Massey Moth Plant Competition.
Families, neighbours, and community groups can work together to remove moth plant in their area. Teams can collect pods, pull vines, and individuals can design posters - all while competing for more than $1,000 in prizes.
Take the kids to an upcycled arts and crafts workshop
Creativity and sustainability go hand in hand at the weekly workshops run by The ReCreators.
Their kids’ upcycled arts and crafts sessions invite young makers to turn everyday materials into imaginative creations.
Using things like wood offcuts, cardboard, fabric, and wire, kids experiment with sewing, weaving, drilling, painting and building. Projects unfold over a couple of weeks, giving children time to explore ideas and develop hands-on skills.
The workshops take place at the Te Atatū South Community Centre each week after school.
It’s messy, creative, and full of laughter—and it teaches kids that many materials we throw away can have a second life.
Help restore our awa with riparian planting
Tawa Esplanade. Photo credit: Te Wai o Pareira | RiverCare Group
Along the banks of local waterways, another group of dedicated locals has been quietly making a difference.
Volunteers with the RiverCare Group have spent years restoring sections of riverbank, including their ongoing work at Tawa Esplanade.
Native trees and plants have been carefully planted along the awa, replacing invasive weeds and slowly bringing the forest back.
You are always welcome to join the working bees — helping save young plants from weeds, learning about planting guided by the maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), and sharing in the satisfaction of seeing the landscape slowly recover.
It’s hands-on work, but also super rewarding. Every plant helps stabilise riverbanks, improve water quality, and create habitat for native birds and wildlife.
Caring for the environment doesn’t always require grand gestures.
Sometimes it’s pulling out a pest plant on a weekend walk, learning how to repair a bike, helping plant a tree, or encouraging kids to see beauty in recycled materials.
Together, these small actions weave a stronger connection between community, place, and te taiao.
And you’re invited to be part of this growing connection.
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