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 Waitākere Ranges 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.
Your guide to living in the ranges
If you haven’t come across it yet, the Living in the Waitākere Ranges website is a helpful resource for anyone living in our unique environment.
The ranges are home to rare native plants and wildlife, rugged coastlines, spectacular landscapes and many wāhi tapu (sacred sites). Those of us who live here share a responsibility to help protect it.
The website offers practical tips on caring for kauri on your property, attracting native birds, and learning about the special species that call this area home.
So, whenever you have questions about living in the ranges, the website will be a handy place to find answers.
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!
Get rid of pest plants at community weed bins
You can dispose of the plants for free at pop-up weed bin sites across the ranges. Photo credit: EcoMatters Environment Trust
Got invasive plants in your backyard?
Weed bin weekends are back and will run through to June 2026. Waitākere Ranges Local Board has proudly supported this popular programme over the years, helping locals protect native bush from pest plants.
You can dispose of the plants for free at pop-up weed bin sites across the ranges.
Accepted plants include Chinese privet, climbing asparagus, moth plant, plectranthus, tradescantia, honeysuckle and woolly nightshade.
Upcoming Weed Bin Weekends
• 11–12 April: Huia, Laingholm and Waiatarua
• 16–17 May: Glen Eden and Titirangi
• 13–14 June: Swanson and Te Henga
Restore local wetland at Matuku Link
The volunteer community at Matuku Link. Photo credit: Matuku Link
Wetlands are one of nature’s quiet superheroes. They help keep our water clean, reduce flooding, store carbon and provide homes for many plants and animals that thrive in wet environments.
Sadly, in Auckland only about 9 percent of the original wetlands remain, after many were drained or changed for farming and development. That’s why protecting and restoring wetlands is so important.
Matuku Link, next to the Te Henga wetland in Bethells Valley, is helping care for a large area of native forest and wetland habitat.
It’s a special place where you might spot birds such as bittern, crakes and pāteke, as well as kererū, fantail, tūī and ruru. Native bats also live along the river, as well as their resident eels.
If you’d like to lend a hand, volunteers are always welcome. Monthly working bees take place every third Sunday from 10am to 1pm, followed by an optional shared lunch - a great way to meet others who care about the local environment.
There’s also a friendly nursery volunteer group that meets Tuesday mornings from 9am to noon.
To learn more visit the Matuku Link website.
Kids learn to ride
Learning to ride a bike is one of those big childhood milestones and being part of that experience as a parent or caregiver is a thrill.
Whether your little one is starting on a balance bike or making the transition to pedals, this course will teach them how to ride a bike safely.
Sessions are drop-in, led by qualified instructors, and provide helpful tips for parents to practise with kids at home.
Location: Oratia District School, 1 Shaw Road, Oratia.
Bring your own bike or try one provided. Sessions are weather dependent.
Check out the event page for more details.
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 ride a bike, or simply helping to plant a tree.
Together, these small actions weave a stronger connection between community, place and te taiao.
And that connection is growing in the ranges, thanks to your participation.
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