Restoring ecosystems
Restoring ecosystems
Practical conservation for healthier and flourishing ecosystems and communities.
A Rocha Aotearoa NZ is actively engaged in restoring ecosystems through our practical community conservation work across Aotearoa.
In Whāingaroa Raglan, A Rocha is actively involved in the Karioi Project, a community-led conservation project working to restore biodiversity primarily through predator control and species monitoring at a landscape-scale together with the amazing support of the local volunteers and partners. The focus of the Karioi Project encompasses Karioi maunga and its coastal escarpments and forest, wetlands, freshwater and marine habitats and communities to the north and south of the mountain from Whāingaroa Harbour to Aotea Harbour. The project also supports the establishment of an ecological corridor between Karioi, Toreparu wetland and Pirongia.
Through the Eco Church Project, we support churches to care for creation in practical and meaningful ways – locally, collectively, and as an expression of faith.
Churches are engaging in restoration right where they are: transforming church grounds into spaces that support native biodiversity, creating gardens and habitats for wildlife, and reducing their environmental impact. Many are also stepping beyond their boundaries – partnering with local conservation groups, supporting planting days, and contributing to the restoration of nearby awa, reserves, and coastlines. In doing so, churches become active participants in the ecological wellbeing of their communities.
We have a particular focus on engaging young people and youth groups in practical conservation. The Good News Project (featured in the video above) brings rangatahi into this work through hands-on experiences rooted in the gospel, connecting them with local restoration projects and community partners.
Through activities such as native planting, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection, young people are equipped to live out their faith in tangible ways. The Good News Project nurtures leadership, deepens connection to te taiao, and encourages ongoing involvement in caring for the places and communities they belong to.
Our local group projects offer opportunities for volunteer involvement across the country. Local groups are involved in a range of biodiversity restoration projects including in wetland, native bush and stream restoration projects. Local groups also support biodiversity restoration through native tree nurseries and pest control work. Our local groups often work in partnership with other organisations and the local community.
NGĀ AROTAHINGA | Our Focus Areas
Practical conservation for healthier and flourishing ecosystems and communities.
Connecting people to nature to inspire them to care and advocate for te taiao.
Inspiring and empowering communities to take action for sustainability and adaptability.