Restoring our ngahere is a central part of the work done by Urban Ark groups. This mahi aligns with Urban Ark’s strategy of enhancing wildlife corridors through central Tāmaki.
From May through to August, many groups undertake planting. Some of it is ‘pioneer planting’ on formerly grassy or barren areas: some is ‘enrichment planting’, adding species to enhance the biodiversity of established bush areas.
For the rest of the year the emphasis is on weeding. There are often enough seeds around for native species to propagate, if we just give them the space to do their thing.
Across the Urban Ark area there are regular restoration sessions, aka weeding bees. Many are looking for extra volunteer help. Here’s what you need to know:
- no experience is necessary: the atmosphere is inclusive and helpful, and group leaders will always find an experienced weeder to guide you
- you don’t have to commit to coming every week/month: just show up when you can. You are welcome to bring your favourite trowel, secateurs and gardening gloves, but groups usually have spares you can borrow
- dress for the job: strong shoes or boots, long pants and long sleeves are all sensible choices
- dress for the conditions: broad brimmed hat and sunscreen in summer, wet-weather gear if rain is likely
- bring a water bottle
- there are often refreshments at the end
- most groups take a break from mid-December to sometime in January
Monday
MOTAT Lava Flow Forest
Weekly: Monday 10am–noon in winter, 9–11am in summer
St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS) works in the area which borders Waitītiko Meola Creek at the MOTAT Aviation site. They concentrate on removing weeds to allow existing plants to flourish across all sorts of ecological habitats: lava flow forest, wetlands and regenerating grassy banks into native habitat. You don’t need any experience to come along but the site is a bit of a scramble so a base level of agility and fitness is required. To get involved contact Mary [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Wednesday
Wednesday Weed Warriors
Monthly: Third Wednesday 10am–noon. Urban Ark area
The Wednesday Weed Warriors are a roving band of passionate individuals led by our Restoration Advisor, Phil. The main focus is on preparing restoration sites for planting and ensuring that previously planted sites are maintained, so that natives survive and thrive. That means we might notify a session anywhere from Epsom to Lynfield, so check out our events calendar to see the location of upcoming weeding bees.
Saturday
Friends of Te Tātua a Riukiuta / Big King
Monthly: Last Saturday 9:30am–noon. Te Tātua a Riukiuta / Big King
Friends of Te Tātua a Riukiuta / Big King are a group of volunteers working alongside the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to restore some of the mauri (life force) lost from the maunga over the years. The focus is often on making sure young native plantings aren’t smothered by invasive weeds until they can thrive by themselves, but weeding happens all over the maunga and sometimes in bordering properties, with their permission. Fill out this quick form to get involved.
Friends of Maungawhau
Monthly: Third Saturday 9:30am–noon. End of Batger Rd, or in the nursery off Puhi Huia Rd
Friends of Maungawhau are a group of volunteers working alongside the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to restore some of the mauri (life force) lost from the maunga over the years. The focus is often on weeding, planting and nursery work. If you’d like to take part, get in touch at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content].
Kererū Weeders
Monthly: Fourth Saturday 10am–noon. Sites around Western Springs and Mt Albert
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 area. We hope to have weeding in bees in Western Springs Park, Bullock Track Bush, Jaggers Bush and Norgrove Reserve. The first event is at Motions Reserve, opposite Auckland Zoo, on Saturday 25 July. 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 [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Sunday
Second Sunday Weeders
Monthly: Second Sunday 9am-11am. Pt Chevalier
Second Sunday Weeders are a keen group of volunteers who meet at different reserves around the wider Pt Chevalier area to release vulnerable native plants from the smothering effects of invasive weeds. The current roster of sites includes Eric Armishaw Reserve, Walmer Reserve, Coyle Park and De Luen St headland. Check out the event calendar to see the location of upcoming weeding bees.