EcoMatters Environment Trust

Huia Weed Bin Weekend
2025-10-25 08:00 - 2025-10-27 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Huia Domain Carpark, Huia Road, Huia, 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.

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, 2026-02-14 08:00 - 2026-02-15 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.

Sustainable Christmas Shopping Event
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join us for a very special evening of Christmas shopping with a difference.
Discover locally crafted gifts and sustainable living items at the EcoMatters Store and give gifts with purpose this year. Enjoy refreshments and special offers as you browse our curated range.
Every purchase helps us continue our local environmental work, so shopping with us shows you care for our community too.

Fruitvale Stream Clean Up
2025-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Matangirua/Chettle Reserve, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600
Come along and help save Scroggy Stream from rubbish and invasive weeds at this community stream clean up. 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. We’ll finish with a cuppa and chocolate biscuits together at the end.

Supported by the Whau Local Board and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.
Edit: Kia ora. Our weeding bee is now a stream care session, which will include removing rubbish and invasive weeds. Same time, same place – we hope to see you there!

Sunnyvale Stream Care Session and Picnic
2025-11-29 10:00 - 12:30 | 16b Wattle Rd, Sunnyvale, 16b Wattle Road, Sunnyvale, Auckland, 0612
Nau mai, haere mai! Come along and show some love to the Waari 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 our end-of-year picnic – 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.

Wrap: A Mindful Stones Adventure
2025-11-30 10:30 - 12:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join us for a nature and craft adventure!
Take a nature walk through EcoMatters gardens, collecting sticks, feathers and leaves. Then using traditional wrapping techniques you will turn these natural treasures into beautifully decorated Zen Stones.
This workshop blends creativity and mindfulness, using natural fibres and found materials to wrap stones while sharing stories of the journey and the place.
A beautiful Zen gift or decoration option as we head into the festive season.

Max 15 attendees
This workshop is suited for adults and young people 12+
Children aged 7–11 may attend with a caregiver under a Child & Caregiver Ticket (one ticket covers one child and one accompanying adult).

Book your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/wrap-a-mindful-stones-adventure
About
This is an artist collaboration with Emma Hinton and Yoko Inishi.
Emma Hinton
(Ngāti Maniapoto) is an experienced storyteller, facilitator and celebrant based in Waitakere.
Emma founded The Light Library, where she curates workshops and books, and is the publisher of ‘Finding Grace / Kimihia a Grace’, a bilingual picture book.
She is passionate about the power of storytelling to shape our future and well-being.
Yoko Onishi
is a micro-macramé artist born and raised in Japan, where she developed a deep appreciation for traditional culture and handmade crafts inspired by nature.
She discovered macramé, one of the oldest crafts in the world, and teaches children and adults how to create beautiful macramé pieces.
Yoko’s work blends macramé techniques with the natural beauty of crystals, capturing the harmony between human creation and the natural world.

Supported by Creative Communities Scheme

Green Bay Stream Care Session
2025-12-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-13 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 rubbish, 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.

Te Henga Weed Bin Weekend
2025-12-06 08:00 - 2025-12-07 17:00 | Pae o Te Rangi Regional Park, 114 Te Henga Road, Waitākere, Auckland, 0781, New Zealand

Swanson Weed Bin Weekend
2025-12-06 09:00 - 2025-12-07 16:00 | Central Landscape Supplies Swanson, 598 Swanson Road, Swanson, Auckland, Auckland, 0612, New Zealand
Got invasive weeds? Live close to the Waitākere Ranges? Get rid of them at your local community weed bin.
The Swanson weed bin is accessible during Central Landscape & Garden Supplies open hours, 9am-4pm.
Bins will be onsite from Saturday 9am, 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.

Avondale Stream Care Session
2025-12-06 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. We’ll meet at the carpark area on Pecan Place. 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. 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.

Waimoko Glen Stream Care Session
2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:30 | 24A Waimoko Glen, Swanson, Auckland 0612, 24A Waimoko Glen, Swanson, Auckland, 0612
Nau mai, haere mai! Come and help save the Waimoko and Waiwhauwhaupaku Streams from rubbish and invasive weeds, and learn how to ID native plants and pest plants.
Together, we’ll transform these streams into thriving awa that flow well to the sea, and provide a safe habitat for native birds and fish. We’ll finish with shared kai at the end – bring a plate if you can.
Bring a hat, rain jacket and gardening gloves if you have any, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. Kids welcome but must be supervised.
Hosted by Waimoko Glen neighbours, supported by EcoMatters and funded by Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department.
Want to keep in the loop with updates about these streams? Email alanah@ecomatters.org.nz.

Pest Plant Roadshow at Friends of Arataki Kids Day
2025-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Arataki Visitor Centre, 300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Auckland, 0604
Want to find out which weeds you should bin, bag or put in a barrel? The EcoMatters Nature Team will be at the Friends of Arataki Kids Day to give advice and answer any questions you have about pest plants.

Come along to chat about how to identify invasive weeds, best practises for keeping kauri safe while caring for the bush, and free services available to support you.

Brought to you by EcoMatters and supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Auckland Council.

Up-bicycled Jewellery with Ronja Schipper
2025-12-13 10:30 - 13:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join artist and maker Ronja Schipper for a pre-Christmas workshop where you’ll design and create two pairs of featherweight earrings from discarded bicycle inner tubes – one to keep and one to gift!
You will learn how to transform ‘waste to wonderful’ by ‘up-bicycling’ under-valued waste resources into unique jewellery pieces.
Limited places, book now!
About
“re:purpose Ronja” has been creating lovingly up-cycled jewellery since 2015 from her garden studio in the Waitakere Ranges. By using under-valued waste materials for creating her design pieces, she aims to highlight the relationship with our at-risk environment and its resources. Ronja’s range of jewellery is hand made in Aotearoa from discarded bike inner tubes and other unwanted materials, cleaned, polished and enhanced with new findings’. Read more…
Ronja has a background in publishing, fashion, advertising, illustration and adult education in Europe and Aotearoa with a particular passion for re-using materials in interesting ways.

Pest Plant Roadshow at Te Piha Market
2025-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Piha Bowling Club, Piha Domain, Piha
Want to find out which weeds you should bin, bag or put in a barrel? The EcoMatters Nature Team will be at the Te Piha Market to give advice and answer any questions you have about pest plants.

Come along to chat about how to identify invasive weeds, best practises for keeping kauri safe while caring for the bush, and free services available to support you.

Brought to you by EcoMatters and supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Auckland Council.

Laingholm Weed Bin Weekend
2026-01-17 08:00 - 2026-01-18 17:00 | Laingholm Hall Carpark, 69 Victory Road, Laingholm, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

Waiatarua Weed Bin Weekend
2026-01-17 08:00 - 2026-01-18 17:00 | Waiatarua Community Hall Carpark, 911 West Coast Road, Waiatarua, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

Fruitvale Stream Clean Up - CANCELLED
2026-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Matangirua/Chettle Reserve, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600
23 Jan 26 Update – Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel the stream clean up event. Please keep an eye out for future events. Ngā mihi nui.
Come along and help save Scroggy Stream from rubbish and invasive weeds at this community stream clean up. 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.

Supported by the Whau Local Board and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Sunnyvale Stream Care Session
2026-01-31 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 and clean up any rubbish.
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.
We finish by sharing food at the end of our mahi.
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.

Pest Plant Roadshow at Matuku Link
2026-02-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Matuku Link, 111 Bethells Road, Waitākere, 0781, New Zealand
Want to find out which weeds you should bin, bag or put in a barrel? The EcoMatters Nature Team will be at the World Wetlands Day at Matuku Link to give advice and answer any questions you have about pest plants.

Come along to chat about how to identify invasive weeds, best practises for keeping kauri safe while caring for the bush, and free services available to support you.

Brought to you by EcoMatters and supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and Auckland Council.

Every Bite - Cook with Confidence
2026-02-04 17:30 - 20:00 | The Chapel – Te Atatū, 75 Beach Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, 0610, New Zealand
Featuring The Wholefood Kitchen’s Kevin Helas
Join us to learn simple and delicious ideas to make your kai go further and save money. We’re hosting Every Bite in West Auckland – a four week programme that is designed to help your household become more food resourceful, with the goal of helping reduce food waste right across Aotearoa.
For our Every Bite launch, we’re partnering with Kevin Helas, founder of The Wholefood Kitchen, for an evening of kai and kōrero, all focused on helping you become more confident in the kitchen.
What to expect
This is a four week programme, which includes two in-person sessions, and a chance to stay connected digitally, to share ideas and celebrate wins. We’ll be giving away prizes and resources along the way too.
Launch event
We start with a special event from 5.30pm on Wednesday 4 February at The Chapel (corner of Beach and Wapani Roads) in Te Atatū Peninsula.
At our launch event, you will:

learn more about Every Bite and how it can help you
get involved in the live cooking demonstration
share the kai being prepared on the night
get tips and tricks from Kevin Helas, our wholefood chef guest host, so you feel more confident in the kitchen
connect with like-minded people who want to make their kai go further and save money.

Stay connected
We’ll keep you motivated and share more tips and tricks over the following two weeks, then come together again in person during the last week of the programme.
Sign up today!
Save money, reduce waste, meet like-minded people and have fun! Spaces are limited, so please book your spot today.
To make this event as accessible as possible, you can choose a ticket price that suits your financial situation. There’s also the option to bring a friend for free.
About Kevin Helas and The Wholefood Kitchen
Kevin Helas founded The Wholefood Kitchen to offer a space for people to gain confidence and competence in the kitchen, leading to greater freedom and enjoyment in their relationship with food and cooking. It also offers an invitation to connect with oneself, with the Earth, and with Community, in the spirit of Kotahitanga (one-ness, wholeness, unity).
