Events

(***Wednesday session***) Urban Ark has teamed up with Conservation Volunteers NZ to run a series of weeding events targeted at removing wild kahili ginger from sites in Lynfield and along the Waikōwhai Coast.

This is the sixth working bee in the series of eight. We have previously removed more than 300kg of wild ginger off site near Wairaki stream and we are stoked to have you come and help us slash some more. Come along to satisfying-ly remove some pesky ginger, make some new friends, and stay for some hot drinks and bikkies.

email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] for more info

Ever wondered what comes alive when the sun goes down? Join us for a free night‑time hīkoi tracing part of Waitītiko / Meola Creek — and meet the creatures who call this awa home after dark.

We’re teaming up with Mountains To Sea Conservation Trust and STEPS to explore the hidden night world of Chamberlain Park. As we wander along the awa, we’ll listen for calls, look for movement, and discover the wildlife that thrives when the rest of the city sleeps.

You’ll also hear from STEPS about their mahi to boost water quality, restore native habitat, and strengthen flood readiness for the whole community. We will cover the restoration work Chamberlain Park Restoration Group have been up to as well. It’s a chance to experience the awa in a new way while learning how local action makes a real difference.

Please register so we know how much gear and kai to bring. Please also bring a head torch if you have one.

Meet: just inside Chamberlain Park at the end of Sutherland Rod, Point Chevalier, Auckland 1025.

Please note: the walk takes place at night and includes uneven surfaces, so it’s not suitable for pushchairs or very young children. A moderate level of fitness and good balance are recommended. No dogs.

Groups: STEPS, Chamberlain Conservation Group

Urban Ark host quarterly guest talks on environmental conservation topics and we are excited to have environmental consultant Dr Len Gillman lined up for our October event at the wonderful Mt Eden Village Centre.

Len will be discussing how urban and rural environments around the globe have increasingly become dominated by ‘alien’ plant species, to the point where entire landscapes risk becoming homogenised. He will explore the impacts this has on both native biodiversity and our sense of place. We’ll round out the discussion with a few specific examples of exotic pest plant species which impact native habitat patches in Mt Eden and the wider Auckland area.

Venue: Mt Eden Village Centre, 449 Mt Eden Road.

Spaces are limited and we’ll be providing refreshments after the talk, so please register here.

Working Bee | Join us in regenerating the native bush along Waipapa Stream.

Waipapa Stream and its native bush corridor is a hidden gem next to Parnell Train station. Volunteers have been regenerating this area into healthy, biodiverse streamside habitat for over a decade. Join us to keep the invasive weed plants down and let the natives thrive. Enjoy the company of tui, pīwakawaka, and fellow volunteers while making difference for nature in the city.

Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. All tools and morning tea provided.

Spaces are limited - registration is essential. Grab your free ticket here !

The meeting place is at the far end of the Parnell Train Station carpark, at the bottom of Ngahere Terrace.

Join us for a weeding bee as we team up with Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga / Friends of Oakley Creek to support their restoration efforts of Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek!

We’ll be weeding along the Oakley Creek Walkway, which sits right alongside the awa (stream). This area is prone to flooding in heavy rain. Weeding this site will help the native plants planted here previously to survive and thrive.

These native plants will help absorb more water and slow flood waters down so it doesn’t reach the stream all at once, reducing the impact of flooding. They also stop excess sediment and excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that wash off our streets during rain and improve water quality - pretty neat hey!

Flooding is a natural process and it isn’t going anywhere, it is also becoming more frequent with changes in climate. However, recreating natural habitats that allow water to breathe and flow as it should do are an important step in building our overall flood resilience and restoring the balance of people living nearby waterways and overland flowpaths.

Please register for this event so we know how much kai and equipment to bring.

Meet: beside BP Waterview, look out for our high vis vests

Please note: parking is on Herdman Street, regular buses head along Great North Road for those coming by public transport.

This event is generously funded through Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters Department.

We run weeding bees with keen community volunteers in and around local parks on the third Wednesday of each month.

This month we’ll be working at Melville Park in Epsom to keep our native restoration site free of Tradescantia and other invasive pest plants. It will be fun, social and gratifying.

Don’t worry if you’re a newbie, we’ll have experts on hand to teach you how to tell your ecological weeds from your natives.

Urban Ark will provide:

-Tools and gloves (but feel free to bring your own).

-Refreshments when the mahi is done.

Please register here so we know how much gear and catering to provide.

Join the team helping to welcome kererū home. Park by the Western Springs community hall and walk over to the Recycling Centre and look for the flag !

Kererū Weeders is a new weeding group launching in July 2026 with the aspiration of making our vegetated areas attractive to the kererū which are just beginning to return to the central Aukland area. We have roving weeding in bees in Western Springs Park, Bullock Track Bush, Jaggers Bush and Norgrove Reserve. For those who are new to weeding (or just want to upskill) we’ll have a short skills session at start of the weeding bee.

To get involved contact Mary at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]

Urban Ark has teamed up with Conservation Volunteers NZ to run a series of weeding events targeted at removing wild kahili ginger from sites in Lynfield and along the Waikōwhai Coast.

This is the seventh working bee in the series of eight. We have previously removed more than 300kg of wild ginger off site near Wairaki stream and we are stoked to have you come and help us slash some more. Come along to satisfying-ly remove some pesky ginger, make some new friends, and stay for some hot drinks and bikkies.

email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] for more info