EcoMatters Environment Trust

Sunnyvale Stream Planting
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Corner of Awaroa Road and Nirmal Place, Sunnyvale, Auckland, New Zealand, Sunnyvale, Auckland
Nau mai, haere mai! Join us to put native plants in the ground along the Waari Stream and extend this backyard stream restoration project.
The plants will provide food and shelter for native birds and critters, and stabilise stream banks and mitigate erosion.
Be a part of transforming this stream into a thriving awa that flows well in changeable weather, is more resilient in heavy rain and drought, and helps move water quickly to the sea.
We’ll finish with a hearty soup at the end.
Gumboots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential. Please bring a rain jacket and gardening gloves if you have any. Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by supervising adults.
Questions? Email alanah@ecomatters.org.nz or text 021 308 268.
This event is hosted by Sunnyvale neighbours and EcoMatters, and supported by the Henderson-Massey Local Board and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Rongoā Māori with Joanne Hakaraia-Olson
2025-07-19 10:00 - 14:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join Joanne Hakaraia-Olson for a one-day rongoā Māori workshop, and learn to harvest and prepare rongoā (remedies) that carry the mauri (life force) of the ngahere (forest).
You will learn tikanga, customs and rites observed, rongoā of specific plants, how to enter the ngahere with guidance and care, and how to make wairākau (tonics), hinu (oils) and poultices. This workshop is suitable for beginners, and participants will get to take away their balms.
Please bring a plate of kai for a shared lunch.
This free workshop will have a waitlist activated, so if you have booked a ticket and are unable to make it, please cancel your order so your spot can be allocated to the next person on the waitlist.
Supported by the Whau Wildlink and Whau Local Board.
About Joanne Hakaraia-Olson, Rongoā Mauri Studio
Joanne Hakaraia-Olson (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngai te Rangi) is a Rongoā Māori healer who carries the legacy of her tūpuna as kairongoā. She was born and raised in Ōtaki, Aotearoa, and was nurtured by the Tararua Ranges and the waters of the Ōtaki and Waitohu rivers. Since moving to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2010, she has considered Te Wao Nui a Tirawa, the Waitākere Ranges, her greatest teacher. This connection is woven through her whakapapa to the Tainui waka. She works alongside her husband Nick Olson in running the Rongoā Mauri Studio in West Auckland, through which she offers Rongoā Māori services.

Healthy Homes Workshop - Glen Eden
2025-07-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Glen Eden Community House, 13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden, New Zealand
Come along to our free, fun and interactive Healthy Homes workshop. We’ll give you heaps of great ideas and inspiration to help you save money and help the environment by learning how to:
Save water and energy
Reduce damp and mould

Keep your home warm and healthy

All of our tips are super easy to put in place in your own home, and will not only help you save money (and the environment!), but also improve your whānau’s health. There’s something for everyone, whether you are flatting, renting or a homeowner.

Brought to you by EcoMatters Environment Trust, and supported by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Three Regenerative Gardens
2025-07-26 10:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join Landscape Architect and author, Nick Robinson, in this workshop where attendees will learn the steps needed to achieve a regenerative urban ecosystem design.
In this workshop, we are following on from Nick’s previous workshop on regenerative planting design*. Nick will discuss three of his Auckland garden projects to demonstrate how this approach can be put into action at your place.
The workshop will walk us through the detail of the design process for each of three different gardens.
Nick will start with the existing degraded site and show a variety of design ideas. He will next discuss the finished design (construction and planting), and finally, the implementation and establishment of the garden.
These designs will demonstrate the potential for garden sites to provide not only rich visual and sensory qualities, but also enhanced urban ecosystem services.
Examples will include three sites.
– a bush edge ‘woodland garden’ with troublesome drainage flowpaths
– a small sunny East Bays courtyard in to which a swimming pool was to be constructed
– and a riverside garden bush restoration project in a Significant Ecological Area
There will be time for attendees to discuss their own projects in the last half hour of this workshop.
* NB. To attend, it is not essential to have previously come to Nick’s Regenerative Planting Design for Urban Spaces workshop.
ABOUT
Landscape Architect Nick Robinson has twenty five years experience of landscape architecture professional practice in New Zealand and Britain. He has worked on award winning landscapes of industry as well as urban regeneration, parks and private gardens.
In addition to professional practice, Nick has taught landscape architecture at universities in the UK, USA , New Zealand and Germany, specialising in planting design and has a range of publications to his credit including the Planting Design Handbook.
Nick recently spent two years working with international experts on urban ecology, green roofs and green walls at the Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield, UK, with a focus on current thinking on ecological approaches to urban design and innovations in planting design for biodiversity.

Green Bay Stream Care Session
2025-08-01 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Bridge on Portage Road, opposite Suburbs Rugby Club, 130 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland
Come along to save the Waitahurangi Awa from pest plants, and to help this stream that flows through Titirangi Golf Club to thrive. We’ll be meeting at the bridge opposite Suburbs Rugby Club, 130 Portage Road, New Lynn.
Gumboots or closed-toe, sturdy footwear is essential. Please bring a rain jacket and gardening gloves if you have any (some gloves will be provided). Kids welcome but must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.
Questions? Email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz.

Creative Clay Kitchen Series: Make a Herb Stripper
2025-08-03 10:30 - 14:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join potter Jackie Muller and make a special item for your kitchen in workshop 1 of our kitchen series. In this workshop we will explore the making of a herb stripper and/or herb markers.
CREATIVE CLAY KITCHEN SERIES
Workshop 1. Herb stripper and/or herb markers – 3 Aug
Workshop 2. Garlic grater and/or lemon squeezer – 19 Oct
Workshop 3. Small colander or berry bowl – 9 Nov
Join us for these fun, hands-on beginners pottery workshops. These items are lovely plastic-free additions to the sustainable home.
ABOUT
Ceramic artist Jackie Muller creates industrially inspired sculptures from her studio in Laingholm. Jackie studied for a Diploma of Arts and Design – Ceramics with Dunedin School of Art. Her work “Fixtures and Fittings” won the “Artist in Residence Award” – Fire & Clay 2022. She was also a finalist in the Portage Ceramic Awards 2023. Jackie finds inspiration in connections to the past, revelling in the manipulation of plumbing ware to tell stories relevant to the present and future.
Source: Arts House Trust
Thank you to the Creative Communities Scheme for supporting these workshops.
Please note:
For adults or children ages 12+
Max 12 attendees
The additional items in Workshops 1 and 2 can be made if time allows.
15 min is included for clean-up of own work stations.
Clay creations will be fired in Jackie’s kiln for pick up the following week.

PHOTOS
Main: Indicative only, Rachel Collyer Ceramics, GB
Above: Examples of herb stripper, plant marker.
Attendees at a previous Creative Clay workshop

Dundale Stream Care Session
2025-08-07 09:30 - 12:00 | Outside 54 Dundale Ave, Outside 54 Dundale Ave, Auckland, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Nau mai, haere mai! Come and help save the Whau Stream on Dundale Ave from rubbish and invasive weeds at this community stream clean up.
Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or gumboots, bring a rain jacket and your own gardening gloves.
Questions? Email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz or ring 021 308 257.
Hosted by the Dundale Eco Stream Community and supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Sunnyvale Stream Planting
2025-08-09 10:00 - 12:30 | 18 Sunnyside Rd, Sunnyvale, 18 Sunnyside Road, Sunnyvale, Auckland, 0612
Nau mai, haere mai! Join us to put native plants in the ground along the Sunnyside Stream.
The plants will provide food and shelter for native birds and critters, and stabilise stream banks and mitigate erosion. We’ll also add mulch around the plants to enrich the soil, help it retain moisture over the hotter season, and keep invasive weeds at bay.
Be a part of transforming this stream into a thriving awa that flows well in changeable weather, is more resilient in heavy rain and drought, and helps move water quickly to the sea.
We’ll finish with a hearty soup at the end.
Gumboots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential. Please bring a rain jacket and gardening gloves if you have any. Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by supervising adults.
Questions? Email alanah@ecomatters.org.nz or text 021 308 268.
This event is hosted by Sunnyvale Awa Neighbours and EcoMatters, and supported by the Henderson-Massey Local Board and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Avondale Stream Care Session
2025-08-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Corner of Wingate Street and Pecan Place, Avondale, 73 Wingate St, Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand
Nau mai, haere mai! Come and help save the Whau Stream tributary from rubbish and invasive weeds at this community stream clean up. Together, we’ll transform this stream into a thriving awa that flows well to the sea, and provides a safe habitat for native birds and fish.
Gumboots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential. Kids welcome but must be supervised.
Hosted by Pecan Power and supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Organic Teaching Garden - Working Bee and Shared Lunch
2025-08-16 10:30 - 14:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
EcoMatters Organic Teaching garden is a space where our community can join in and learn about a range of sustainable gardening ideas in one location.
This is a great chance to get involved in your local organic garden.
As we head into the growing season, we would love extra help to give the gardens a bit of a spruce up and prepare for spring.
The garden is located at 4 Olympic Place New Lynn, and is just across the road from EcoMatters bike hub.
Ideas for the day (let us know what you’re interested in)
– Harakeke clean up, sugarcane and banana plant maintenance
– Light weeding, spreading compost or mulch
– Food forest pruning
– Divide and pot up edible perennials
– Bathtub wormfarm TLC
Some of our basic garden structures need repair or rebuilding. We build these with upcycled and repurposed materials to help protect the vege beds from wild chickens.
Materials needed – please get in touch if you can donate:
– Sturdy untreated timber needed 2.5 and 4.5m lengths
– Bamboo poles needed to rebuild a garden frame (50mm dia x 2.5m lengths min)
– Divisions of edible perennials (strawberries, herbs etc) for our community kai berm planting
BYO Gear
Tools are available to use, but if you have your own, please bring along:
– Gloves
– Sturdy covered shoes / boots
– Raincoat / hat
– Water bottle / snacks
Lunch 12.30-1pm
Vege soup provided
Tea / coffee
Shared kai contributions welcome!
Let us know what you’d like to focus on, so we can plan the day.
Contact meg@ecomatters.org.nz
NB. Please click on ‘Get tickets’ (free) so we know numbers and can contact you incase of postponement.
If today doesn’t work for you, our organic teaching garden sessions are held each Friday 11-2pm.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop (Mandarin 普通话/Cantonese 廣東話)
2025-09-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Synergy Sports, Unit 3/44 Portage Road, New Lynn, Aucklnad, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
How can we be good neighbours and help each other in times of heavy rain? Learning about the way water flows in your neighbourhood is important. Find out what we can do to help our families and communities be more prepared. At the same time, we’ll discuss what we can do to live in harmony with nature and take care of our beautiful environment for future generations to enjoy.
Translators in Mandarin and Cantonese will be available. Afternoon tea will be provided.
We hope you can make time to attend this workshop. Please RSVP with your name, phone number and number of attendees to 021496890, or fill in this form: https://forms.gle/VqLXUjMv5i9U4C979

Join the Facebook event

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远亲不如近邻。在暴雨来袭之际，我们应该如何互相帮助邻里? 了解您家附近的雨水流动情况很重要。来看看我们可以采取哪些措施，来帮助我们的家庭和社区做好更充分的准备。同时，我们将探讨如何与自然和谐相处，保护我们美丽的环境，让子孙后代能够享受。
现场将提供普通话/粤语翻译服务及提供茶点。
希望您能抽空参加。发短讯到 021496890 回复您的姓名，手机号码及参加人数。
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This workshop is a collaboration between SportsHub Community Trust, Whau Ethnic Collective and EcoMatters, and supported by Auckland Council Healthy Waters.
Image: by frame harirak on Unsplash

Mānutewhau Awa Clean Up
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:30 | Mānutewhau Communtiy Hub, 74 Oreil Avenue, West Harbour, Auckland, 0618
Nau mai, haere mai! Come and help save the Mānutewhau Awa from rubbish at this community stream clean up. Together, we’ll transform this stream into a thriving awa that flows well to the sea, and provides a safe habitat for native birds and fish.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential plus bring along a rain jacket and gardening gloves. Kids welcome but must be supervised.
Hosted by Mānutewhau Community Hub and Massey Matters. Supported by EcoMatters and the Henderson-Massey Local Board.

Growing kai in smaller spaces: 'bio intensive' seed raising with Kane Hogan
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Growing kai from seed is one of the most affordable ways to feed a family. Spring is the perfect time to learn techniques when growing from seed.
Join gardener Kane Hogan and learn how easy it is to grow your own food using ‘bio intensive’ methods.
We will start with seed sowing, then show how to prick out seedlings to grow on.
Learn how to make your own seed raising mix from well-aged compost.
During tea/coffee break, see a couple of film shorts, featuring Kane’s time at Koanga Institute and his ‘Urban Gardener’ micro-farm project in Christchurch.
We will then learn how to grow ‘in situ’, direct sowing into a raised vege bed in EcoMatters organic teaching garden (with Meg Liptrot, garden coordinator).
Ticket option: take home a couple of punnets you’ve sown on the day to grow on at home for your own garden.
About
Kane spent a year interning at the Koanga Institute working in the urban garden project (above), growing bio-intensively on a 200m2 plot of land. This project aimed to demonstrate that it is possible to grow enough kai for ‘a family of four to get all the nutrition they need on a daily basis’ out of the garden. (Founder, Kay Baxter).
Kane went on to develop a micro-farm prototype in a neighbourhood experiment in Oxford, Christchurch, where he chose to plough up the lawn in favour of growing food intensively.
Later he worked at Community House in Westport as garden facilitator, teaching seed raising.

Common Ground Film Screening with the Whau Climate Action Network
2025-09-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Ryders, 177 Riversdale Road, Avondale, Auckland, 1026
The Whau Climate Action Network invites you to a screening of Common Ground, a powerful documentary about regenerative farming as a solution to the climate crisis.
Before the film, enjoy a short talk on regenerative gardening in Aotearoa from Amanda Hookham of Hope Teaching Garden and Kai Whau.
Register to attend
Please register to secure your seat as the venue has limited capacity, so booking ahead helps us ensure everyone has a place and lets us contact you with any updates.
If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your ticket to someone on the waitlist.
This documentary is unrated by Roco film but it does includes some thoughtful themes, such as mental health awareness, brief images of injuries, occasional strong language, and scenes that show smoking.
Venue information
A hidden gem tucked down a suburban road, Ryders is located on a private two-acre property. Access the venue via a long gravel driveway — just follow the EcoMatters flags and signs.
Parking: Limited on-site parking is available. Once full, please park on the road.
Bikes: You’re welcome to ride your bike; we’ll have space onsite to park them.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this venue does not have wheelchair access. We acknowledge this and are committed to supporting accessible events whenever possible.
There will be one free popcorn and a Karma drink per ticket. There is no food or drink available to purchase from the venue. Please no outside food or drinks. A water bottle is fine.
Getting there
Please consider sustainable travel options such as biking, carpooling, or public transport.
The 191 bus from New Lynn stops near the venue along Riversdale Road.
If you wish to ride your bike please bring your own lock.
Street parking is available if you’re driving.
Ngā mihi
﻿
About the Whau Climate Action Network
The Whau Climate Action Network brings together people, organisations and businesses interested in promoting, supporting and implementing low carbon activities in the Whau area.
﻿Subscribe to the Whau Climate Action Network quarterly newsletter here or at ecomatters.org.nz/whau-climate-action-network/
Join the facebook group here or at facebook.com/groups/whauclimateaction
The Network is supported by Whau Local Board, Live Lightly and EcoMatters.

Growing Greens for Chickens - Cancelled
2025-09-27 10:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Update: Sorry, this workshop has now been cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
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Join Oliver Liddell in the EcoMatters garden as he shares some of his favourite methods for growing nutritious greens for chickens.
Fresh greens are a small but vital part of a chicken’s diet, providing crucial minerals for health, fibre for digestion, and calming/healing properties. However maintaining a steady supply through the year can be challenging, especially in a small backyard set-up.
Feeding greens to your chickens improves the overall nutritional value of their eggs.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
– Design and build a grazing box for your chicken run.
– Sow trays and pots of forage for your hens.
– Garden in and around your chicken runs.
– Manage grass and lawns with chickens.
These activities are fun and easy ways to enrich your chicken’s lives while boosting health and productivity.
Participants will also receive a complimentary packet of Oliver’s own organic ‘chicken garden’ seeds to sow at home.
Ticket option:
Add 3 Canna edulis (arrowroot) rhizomes from EcoMatters Garden for $7.
Chickens love to eat harvested canna leaves. These red flowering edible subtropical plants are quick and easy to grow.

ABOUT
Oliver Liddell is a freelance gardener, creative, and permaculturist. Through his business, Altar of Earth, he helps people connect to and steward their land through regenerative practices and integrated food systems.
Working with chickens is a passion of Oliver’s, and his writing on various poultry related topics can be found in recent and upcoming editions of On The Land magazine.

Fruitvale Weeding Bee - CANCELLED
2025-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Matangirua/Chettle Reserve, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600
Due to the weather this has been cancelled – we will meet again on 28 Oct. Ngā mihi.
Come along to this weeding bee and help save Scroggy Stream from invasive weeds. We’ll be working in Matangirua/Chettle Reserve, close to Bunnings Warehouse, New Lynn. It’s our first step in transforming this stream into a haven for native birds and critters, and ensuring it flows well during changeable weather.

Kids welcome but must be supervised. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required, and gardening gloves, a rain jacket and a sun hat are advised. Please bring your own light snack and drink bottle.

Supported by the Whau Local Board.

Creative Clay Kitchen Series: Make a Garlic Grater and/or a Lemon Squeezer
2025-10-19 10:30 - 14:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join potter Jackie Muller and make a special item for your kitchen in workshop 2 of our kitchen series. In this workshop we will explore the making of a garlic grater and/or a lemon squeezer.
CREATIVE CLAY KITCHEN SERIES
Workshop 1. Herb stripper and/or herb markers – 3 Aug (held, sold out)
Workshop 2. Garlic grater and/or lemon squeezer – 19 Oct (book now)
Workshop 3. Small colander or berry bowl – 9 Nov (coming up)
Join us for these fun, hands-on beginners pottery workshops. These items are lovely plastic-free additions to the sustainable home.
ABOUT
Ceramic artist Jackie Muller creates industrially inspired sculptures from her studio in Laingholm. Jackie studied for a Diploma of Arts and Design – Ceramics with Dunedin School of Art. Her work “Fixtures and Fittings” won the “Artist in Residence Award” – Fire & Clay 2022. She was also a finalist in the Portage Ceramic Awards 2023. Jackie finds inspiration in connections to the past, revelling in the manipulation of plumbing ware to tell stories relevant to the present and future.
Source: Arts House Trust
Thank you to the Creative Communities Scheme for supporting these workshops.
Please note:
– For adults or children ages 12+
– Max 12 attendees
– The additional items in Workshops 1 and 2 can be made if time allows.
– 15 min is included for clean-up of own work stations.
Clay creations will be fired in Jackie’s kiln for pick up 2-3 weeks after the workshop.
PHOTOS
Main: Examples of garlic graters and a lemon squeezer
Above: Attendees of a previous Creative Clay workshop

EcoFest in Ōrākei Info Session
2025-10-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Meadowbank Community Centre, 29 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland, Auckland, 1072, New Zealand
EcoFest is coming to the Ōrākei Local Board area! Calling all environmentally-minded people, community groups and businesses. Come and meet the friendly EcoFest team, and find out how you can be a part of Tāmaki Makaurau’s largest environment and climate festival.
If you’re an eco individual, organisation, school, marae or business based in, or serving, Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Glendowie, St Johns, Stonefields, Meadowbank, Remuera or Ellerslie, this event is for you.
Let’s get together and discuss how we can enable sustainable ways of dealing with waste, community climate action, and the conservation of our native habitats to flourish in our neighbourhoods.
We’d love to connect with groups and businesses who may be interested in hosting or supporting events, workshops, volunteering sessions or eco neighbourhood actions. You don’t have to have an event or workshop in mind – this is a chance to find out more about the opportunities the festival may be able to offer you.
Refreshments will be provided with thanks to the Ōrākei Local Board Community Wellbeing team. Please RSVP to ana@ecomatters.org.nz or just come along.

About EcoFest
EcoFest is a month-long celebration of our unique environment and sustainable living across Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, running 22 March – 22 April 2026. Its mission is to build resilience and make sustainable living a reality for Aucklanders of all ages, no matter where they are on their sustainability journey.
We do this by partnering with, supporting and promoting community-led and council and sponsor-funded workshops, activities and education. To join our EcoFest database for news and updates, email ana@ecomatters.org.nz or register your interest.
EcoFest is organised by EcoMatters, Kaipātiki Project, Beautification Trust and Waiheke Resources Trust.

Waiatarua Weed Bin Weekend
2025-10-25 08:00 - 2025-10-27 17:00 | Waiatarua Community Hall Carpark, 911 West Coast Road, Waiatarua, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand
Got invasive weeds? Live close to the Waitākere Ranges? Get rid of them at your local community weed bin.
Bins will be onsite from Saturday 8am, and an EcoMatters team member will be there to provide weed advice Saturday 9am-3pm.
To find out is and isn’t accepted, and when and where to find the bins, visit ecomatters.org.nz/weedbins
Funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and supported by Auckland Council.

Laingholm Weed Bin Weekend
2025-10-25 08:00 - 2025-10-27 17:00 | Laingholm Hall Carpark, 69 Victory Road, Laingholm, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

Huia Weed Bin Weekend
2025-10-25 08:00 - 2025-10-27 17:00 | Huia Domain Carpark, Huia Road, Huia, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

Fruitvale Weeding Bee - CANCELLED
2025-10-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Matangirua/Chettle Reserve, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600
Due to the weather this has been cancelled – we will meet again on 25 Nov. Ngā mihi.
Come along to this weeding bee and help save Scroggy Stream from invasive weeds. We’ll be working in Matangirua/Chettle Reserve, close to Bunnings Warehouse, New Lynn. It’s our first step in transforming this stream into a haven for native birds and critters, and ensuring it flows well during changeable weather.

Kids welcome but must be supervised. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required, and gardening gloves, a rain jacket and a sun hat are advised. Please bring your own light snack and drink bottle.

Supported by the Whau Local Board.

Avondale Stream Care Session
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Pecan Place Carpark, Pecan Place, Avondale, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Nau mai, haere mai! Come and help save our local Whau Stream tributary from rubbish and invasive weeds at this community stream clean up. Together, we’ll transform this stream into a thriving awa that flows well to the sea, and provides a safe habitat for native birds and fish. We’ll finish with a cuppa and chocolate biscuits together at the end.
Gumboots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential. Bring a hat, rain jacket and gardening gloves if you have any. Kids welcome but must be supervised.
Hosted by Pecan Power and supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department.

Sunnyvale Stream Care Session
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:30 | 18 Sunnyside Rd, Sunnyvale, 18 Sunnyside Road, Sunnyvale, Auckland, 0612
Nau mai, haere mai! Come along and show some love to the Sunnyside Stream in Sunnyvale. We’ll remove some gnarly invasive weeds from around the young plants.
Be a part of transforming this stream into a thriving awa that flows well in changeable weather, is more resilient in heavy rain and drought, and helps move water quickly to the sea.
We’ll finish with refreshments at the end – feel free to bring a plate to share if you like (optional).
Please bring sunscreen, a hat and rain jacket if you have one, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. Kids must be accompanied by supervising adults.
Questions? Email alanah@ecomatters.org.nz or text 021 308 268.
This event is hosted by Sunnyvale Awa Neighbours and EcoMatters, and supported by the Henderson-Massey Local Board and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Green Bay Stream Care Session
2025-11-07 09:30 - 12:00 | Bridge on Portage Road, opposite Suburbs Rugby Club, 130 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland
Come along to save the Waitahurangi Awa from pest plants, and to help this stream that flows through Titirangi Golf Club to thrive. We’ll be meeting at the bridge opposite Suburbs Rugby Club, 130 Portage Road, New Lynn.
Gumboots or closed-toe, sturdy footwear is essential. Please bring a hat, rain jacket and gardening gloves if you have any (some gloves will be provided). Kids welcome but must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department.
Questions? Email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz.

Creative Clay Kitchen Series: Make a Small Colander or Berry Bowl
2025-11-09 10:30 - 14:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join potter Jackie Muller and make a special item for your kitchen in workshop 3 of our kitchen series. In this workshop we will explore the making of a small colander or berry bowl.
CREATIVE CLAY KITCHEN SERIES
Workshop 1. Herb stripper and/or herb markers – 3 Aug (held, sold out)
Workshop 2. Garlic grater and/or lemon squeezer – 19 Oct (held, sold out)
Workshop 3. Small colander or berry bowl – 9 Nov (book now)
Join us for these fun, hands-on beginners pottery workshops. These items are lovely plastic-free additions to the sustainable home and make a special gift.
ABOUT
Ceramic artist Jackie Muller creates industrially inspired sculptures from her studio in Laingholm. Jackie studied for a Diploma of Arts and Design – Ceramics with Dunedin School of Art. Her work “Fixtures and Fittings” won the “Artist in Residence Award” – Fire & Clay 2022. She was also a finalist in the Portage Ceramic Awards 2023. Jackie finds inspiration in connections to the past, revelling in the manipulation of plumbing ware to tell stories relevant to the present and future.
Source: Arts House Trust

Thank you to the Creative Communities Scheme for supporting these workshops.

Please note:

For adults or children ages 12+
Max 12 attendees
15 min is included for clean-up of own work stations.

Clay creations will be fired in Jackie’s kiln for pick up 2-3 weeks after the workshop.

Titirangi Weed Bin Weekend
2025-11-15 08:00 - 2025-11-16 17:00 | Zig Zag Track, Atkinson Park, Park Road, Auckland, New Zealand

Glen Eden Weed Bin Weekend
2025-11-15 08:00 - 2025-11-16 17:00 | Konini Primary School, 44 Withers Road, Glen Eden, Auckland, Auckland, 0602, New Zealand

Spring Flowers - Pollinators and Companions for Garden Health
2025-11-15 10:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Who doesn’t love flowers? Spring is a beautiful time in the garden!
*NEW DATE – due to ilness we have postphoned the workshop until Saturday 15th November*
In this workshop:
– Learn about the natural approach to flower growing
– How does a diversity of perennial flower species benefit the environment and improve the soil ‘sponge’
– Harness the benefits of a floriferous garden (producing many flowers) for the birds and bees
– How can growing flowers benefit my food garden?
Eve and Meg’s top tips and their favourites (easy-to-grow, cut for the vase, wild or beneficial flowers)
After tea/coffee break we will head outside.
– Get hands-on and learn techniques for propagation of flowering plants
– Learn how to establish a wildflower garden and find out how we are developing EcoMatters community kai berm and pollinator pathway.
BONUS
– Take home a punnet of Eve’s cut flower faves,
– plus a punnet of beneficial pollinator blend flowers sown on the day.
** First five bookings receive a tuber to plant from one of Eve’s beautiful dahlias! **
NB. A selection of plants will be available to purchase at the end of the workshop.
Please bring:
– Gloves
– Sturdy covered shoes / boots
– Raincoat / hat
– Water bottle / snacks
Tea / coffee provided
About:
EcoMatters Organic Teaching garden is a space where our community can join in and learn about a range of sustainable gardening ideas in one location.
Eve Clarke (pictured below) has a background in flower growing with her business ‘Forage Flowers’ and has recently joined EcoMatters as nursery manager with the Nature Team.

Meg Liptrot (pictured below in EcoMatters wildflower berm garden) has a background in sustainable horticulture, is coordinator of EcoMatters teaching garden and is former garden columnist for the Herald on Sunday.
