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 Whau 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.
Read more on the Ecofest website.
Cycle along to the New Lynn Bike Hub
New Lynn Bike Hub. 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 New Lynn Bike Hub comes in.
Located at 1 Olympic Place, the hub has become one of New Lynn’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.
Whether you need help adjusting your brakes, advice on safe cycling, or access to tools to repair your bike, the passionate mechanics at the hub are 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!
Source plants from a community nursery
Community nursery at EcoMatters. Photo credit: EcoMatters Environment Trust
EcoMatters Environment Trust also runs a community nursery that grows more than 30 species of native plants, many suited to stream and wetland environments.
The plants are grown from seeds collected locally in West Auckland reserves, making them eco-sourced and ideal for local restoration projects and home gardens.
The nursery supports community groups, businesses and individuals looking to boost native biodiversity. Staff and volunteers are also happy to recommend plants suited to your garden or planting site.
You’re welcome to join regular nursery volunteer sessions to learn about caring for native plants and supporting local restoration efforts.
Pitch in and help at Hope Teaching Garden
Hope Teaching Garden is a welcoming space to learn gardening skills and explore the kaupapa of growing local kai. Photo credit: EcoMatters Environment Trust
On the banks of the Whau River in New Lynn sits Hope Teaching Garden, a welcoming space where people can learn gardening skills and explore the kaupapa of growing local kai.
Tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac, the site is gradually being transformed into a flourishing green space that supports biodiversity, soil regeneration and community learning.
Volunteers are welcome to roll up their sleeves and help restore the garden and surrounding environment. Businesses and organisations can also get involved through group volunteering, sponsorship or in-kind support.
Find out more on the Ecomatters website.
Help green the Whau
The Whau River Catchment Trust is leading the Greening the Whau initiative, which works to improve the local environment, strengthen biodiversity and create a more resilient future for our Whau community.
Volunteers can take part in activities such as tree planting, tidying local walkways like Kurt Brehmer Walkway, or helping restore habitats for native wildlife such as the mātātā (fernbird).
Individuals, families, schools and organisations are all welcome to get involved.
More information is available on the Whau River project.
Whau River clean up event in 2025. Photo credit: The Whau River Catchment Trust
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 that connection is growing, thanks to your participation.
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