The natural environment of Aotea / Great Barrier is incredibly special. Community organisations and individuals put a lot of hard mahi into conservation and other projects to protect and enhance our land, sea, sky, flora and fauna. Be inspired by these four hardworking community groups and organisations which are supported by Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. See how you can make a difference to the environment by joining them or making use of their services!
1. Okiwi Community Ecology Project
Enhancing habitats for native birds and educating tamariki about marine pests
This community group works to protect and enhance biodiversity in Okiwi, across public and their own private land. They do this through trapping, planting, weeding and bird monitoring. Te Kura o Okiwi / Okiwi School plays a big role in this mahi.
The group also runs the Asian Paddle Crab monitoring and trapping programme, partnering with local kura across the island to reduce the impact this pest has on our native marine life.
How can you get involved? If you’re interested in joining the project, email Beth at admin@envirokiwi.co.nz
2. Aotea Trap Library
Enabling community to rid their properties of rodents
The trap library provides free rat traps to the community in exchange for their rat catch data. The aim is to have easily accessible, free rat traps for as many households and community projects as possible and to cover as much of the island as we can.
How can you get involved? If you want traps for your property, call Lotte on 029 770 5111 or email the Aotea Trap Library. Follow them on Facebook for more information.
Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision
3. Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision (OME)
Improving the habitats of native species by managing pests and restoring ecosystems
OME is an environmental community group nurturing and protecting the taonga on their doorstep, ranging from a variety of shorebirds and wetland birds to the niho taniwha/chevron skinks along the creeks further inland. They do this through trapping, planting, monitoring and beach protection programmes.
How can you get involved? If you’d like to join community conservation working bees around the Medlands area, check out their website or email medlandsecovision@gmail.com. There’s always room for a spare pair of hands!
4. Anamata Resource Recovery Community Enterprise
Encouraging reuse, recycling and upcycling
Anamata is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering resilience in the Aotea community by providing resource recovery facilities and services, and championing zero waste initiatives. Facilities include drop-off recycling and a shop where you can find exciting pre-loved goods and clothing.
How can you get involved? Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for upcoming workshops so that you can learn how to fix your broken treasures rather than throw them. Or come and support Anamata by visiting the shop at 66c Gray Road, Claris to donate items in good condition or get yourself a bargain. Find opening hours on the website.
Anamata CRC shop
5. Dark Sky Coordinator
Helping us retain our Dark Sky Sanctuary status
Aotea / Great Barrier is globally recognised for being one of the best spots in the world to view the night sky. With clear skies and a small population, stargazing here is at its finest. The island is a haven for the tākoketai (black petrel) and native bat species, where in other parts of the country light pollution can confuse their rhythms. In 2017, Aotea gained International Dark Sky Sanctuary status, and our board-funded coordinator helps ensure we continue to be eligible each year.
How can you get involved? Think about the impact your lights are having on the sky at night, and follow these basic steps to reduce light pollution.