Investing in native plants will attract native birds and other wildlife to your property and community. Not only that, but planting trees is one of the best ways to offset some of our unavoidable emissions, filter our air and make our city a nicer place to be. For advice on what to plant and where to source it, visit Auckland Council Biodiversity.
GROW OUR FUTURE
Growing plants, vegetables, and fruits is beneficial for both you and the planet. It promotes physical activity, reduces stress, and provides fresh, nutritious produce. Gardening also supports local ecosystems by attracting pollinators and improving soil health. Get outside, have fun with whānau or friends, and get your hands dirty greening up your backyard, local, or regional park. This sustainable practice reduces your carbon footprint, lowers food miles, and fosters a deeper connection with nature. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to enjoy the fruits of your labour!
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Volunteer in our parks
You can volunteer for one-off days to regular volunteering. We support volunteers to carry out ecological work through the guidance of park rangers.
Tips for dealing with pests
Find information on identifying and controlling weeds, pest animals and plant diseases at Auckland Council.
How-to guides for conservation
These easy guides will help you get involved and do your bit to protect and restore the environment in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Take 5 minutes to find out your carbon footprint with FutureFit and see how you compare to others.
Green up your
backyard and beyond
Planting is crucial for the environment. Greening up your backyard, community, or shared space not only helps improve local biodiversity and encourage more native species to thrive, it also helps to offset your unavoidable emissions. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and provide habitats for wildlife, contributing to healthier ecosystems and combating climate change.
Plant three native trees on your property or in the community
Remove plant and animal pests from your property
Not only is removing pests great for improving biodiversity and looking after our region, it means the plants and trees in your garden are able to grow strong, without damage caused by animal and plant pests, protecting their ability to soak up CO2. Auckland Council has plenty of tips and resources for dealing with pests, or check out Predator Free NZ for advice on the best traps and where to buy them.
Join a planting day once a year
If you want to give back to your community, why not get involved in a planting or conservation project in your neighbourhood? Tree planting is fun, great for the whole family, and you get to see the benefit of your efforts long after you’ve washed your hands and gone home. Head to the Our Auckland events page to find a local planting day you can get involved in.
