Want to play an active part in keeping our city beautiful?
Or are you simply keen to lend a hand from time-to-time? Consider becoming a volunteer in one of the many volunteers groups, working to maintain and develop our parks and reserves.
Hundreds of volunteers across the North Shore are working enthusiastically throughout the year, planting, weeding, controlling animal pests, cleaning up rubbish and monitoring the health of our city’s streams. Their support is invaluable.
Involvement as a volunteer can provide a deep sense of satisfaction, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet other people who are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference.
For a detailed look at volunteering in North Shore City parks, see our helpful manual 'A guide to volunteering in parks' (PDF 2.1MB)
Groups to get involved with
Here are some examples of the volunteer groups working in our parks and reserves. Most of the groups have regular working bees and are looking for new helpers.
If you want to find out more about any of these groups or other opportunities to volunteer, contact the citywide parks officer via Actionline, phone (09) 486 8600 or email actionline@northshorecity.govt.nz
Centennial Park Bush Society, Campbells Bay
Has weekday and monthly weekend working bees to control weed and animal pests, trap moths and conduct bird counts.
Websites www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz and www.campbellsbayurbansanctuary.org.nz
Fernglen Native Plant Garden Management Committee, Birkenhead
Looks after the Fernglen Native Plant Gardens in Birkenhead. Fernglen is devoted solely to the growing and preservation of New Zealand plants. School groups can visit Fernglen to learn about native trees.
Website www.fernglen.co.nz
Email fernglen.nz@gmail.com
Forest and Bird North Shore, Northcote
Assists with the maintenance of Tuff Crater through continuous weeding and planting.
Websites www.forestandbird.org.nz and www.kcc.org.nz (Kiwi Conservation Club)
Friends of Lucas Creek, Albany
The aim of the group is to protect and restore Lucas Creek. The group organises regular WaiCare water testing and planting bees at The Landing Reserve.
Friends of Three Streams and Kauri Grove, Albany
Three Streams has an unusual combination of native bush and both native and exotic specimen trees in three stream valleys and ridges. Walkways give easy access to the many different kinds of vegetation, offering a visual and educational experience to young and old.
Website www.threestreams.org.nz
Glendhu Reserve, Glenfield
Carries out weeding and planting with individuals, schools and community groups.
Kaipatiki Project, Birkdale
Kaipatiki Project is the environment centre of the North Shore, and works with the community to restore and maintain Witheford Reserve and the Eskdale Reserve Network in Glenfield. Kaipatiki Project’s environment centre in Birkdale is open weekdays for advice, course enrolments, and volunteering opportunities with regular nursery working bees every Monday and Thursday morning. Education services for schools, kindergartens and colleges on waste minimisation, composting, bush and streamlife.
Website www.kaipatiki.org.nz
Restoration enquiries restoration@kaipatiki.org.nz
General enquiries admin@kaipatiki.org.nz
Kauri Point Centennial Park and Chatswood Reserve Management Committee
Working bees are held each Monday in Kauri Point Centennial Park and Chatswood Reserve in Birkenhead, subject to weather and availability of personnel.
Phone: Margaret Paine on (09) 480 6539
Le Roys Bush and Little Shoal Bay Management Committee, Northcote
Keeps an eye on the reserves to protect against vandalism and invasive pests. Regular working bees are held to clear noxious weeds and to plant native plants.
Website http://groups.google.com/group/LeRoys-Bush-and-Little-Shoal-Bay/
Shepherds Park Management Committee, Beach Haven
Holds regular working bees, weeding and planting in Shepherds Park.
Uruamo Ecological Society, Birkenhead
Undertakes planting and weeding in Kauri Point Domain in Birkenhead.
