Mō mātou
About us

Kia ora!

A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand is part of the A Rocha global family of Christian environmental conservation organisations working together to live out God’s calling to care for creation and to equip others to do likewise.

The name ‘A Rocha’ is in Portuguese (meaning ‘The Rock’) references the first A Rocha field study centre that was set up in 1983 in the Algarve estuary in south Portugal. 

In Aotearoa New Zealand, A Rocha was established in 2008. We seek to inspire, educate and enable communities to care for their local environment. Our three focus areas are:

  • Restoring ecosystems
  • Growing the next generation of kaitiaki
  • Fostering sustainable communities

Read more about A Rocha’s journey over the years since 2008.

Or get an overview of A Rocha’s work through our Annual Reports.

Pae Tawhiti | Our Vision

Ecosystems restored and communities across Aotearoa actively caring for the earth.

Pae Tata | Our Mission:

To protect and restore the environment through community-based conservation, developing environmental leaders and sustainable actions.

Ngā Takohanga | Our Commitments:

We are committed to the five commitments (5Cs) central to all A Rocha projects around the world.

  • Christian – We follow Jesus Christ, who created the world and calls us to care for it. Our identity is based in our biblical faith and hope in the living God who loves and sustains the world.
  • Conservation – We protect and restore nature and are committed to local places and people over the long term. We acknowledge that tangata whenua have a special cultural and spiritual relationship with the environment in Aotearoa and seek ways of working that integrate te ao Māori. 
  • Community – We invest in good relationships through our commitment to God, one another and the wider creation. We build community because relationships are the foundation of long-lasting conservation work.
  • Cultural Diversity – We celebrate the insights, perspectives and solutions offered by our diverse cultures. We respect the importance of Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa, in accordance with our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
  • Collaboration – We seek to work with anyone who shares our vision. We work in partnership because together we achieve more than we can alone.

Ā Mātou Tāngata | Our People:

We have a committed board of trustees, a dedicated team of national staff and project team members, amazing local group leaders, and a network of remarkable volunteers working across the country under the A Rocha umbrella. Find out more about our people.

Ō Mātou Hoamahi | Our Partners:

Our funders, partners and supporters make it possible for A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand to carry out practical conservation and education & engagement initiatives throughout New Zealand. We are grateful for both the ongoing and historical support and partnerships. Find out more about our partners.

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