EcoMatters Environment Trust

Native Planting Workshop at Ranui Library - CANCELLED
2026-03-26 16:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Rānui Library, 431 Swanson Road, Ranui, Auckland
26/03 – Sorry this event is cancelled due to the weather, check back to see a new date soon.
Join the Ranui Library for a whānau friendly native planting workshop and kōrero with Alanah and Eve from EcoMatters. Learn about local native plants, why they matter, and how planting supports our whenua and waterways. A great way for whānau to learn, connect, and grow together. You’ll even get to take a native plant seedling home to plant in your own garden.
Spaces are limited so make sure you register via the link while you can. This event is suitable for all ages (10+).
Supported by the Henderson-Massey Local Board.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Green Bay Stream Care Session
2026-03-27 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.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Sunnyvale Stream Care Session
2026-03-28 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.

Saving Auckland's Heritage Fruit Trees: Healthy Soil, Healthy Trees
2026-03-28 10:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Learn practical ways you can support food trees and resilient green spaces in your own neighbourhood.
Join Savannah Carter-Green (Kai Rākau Project),
Matthew Priestley (Brotherwood),
and David Stejskal (Auckland Council Urban Forest, Arboriculture and Ecology team)
for a session exploring two connected streams of their work:

the ‘Kai Rākau Food Tree Project’ a living library of heritage fruit trees, sub-tropical food trees and rongoā species, and…
the collaborative programme protecting historic orchard remnants across the Upper Harbour

Hear how these significant trees have been located, rescued and cared for; why they matter culturally, historically and environmentally; and how community partnerships are helping them thrive.
Learn how soil structure, compaction and low carbon levels affect fruit-tree health.
Discover practical solutions with simple indicators to assess soil improvement over time.
Proceeds from this workshop will help support the Kai Rākau Food Tree Project
ABOUT
Savannah Carter-Green is the founder of the Kai Rākau Project (est. 2010) under the umbrella of the Sustainable Paremoremo Charitable Trust. She leads the creation of a living library of heritage food trees, rare subtropicals, and rongoā rākau across 3.5 acres within the 100-acre Sanders Reserve.
Matthew Priestley is the director of Brotherwood Ltd and leads the soil-health and orchard-restoration work for Auckland Council’s heritage fruit-tree programme.
David Stejskal Urban Forest, Arboriculture and Ecology Manager, Auckland Council
David leads Auckland Council’s Urban Forest, Arboriculture and Ecology team, a group of specialists focused on caring for the region’s trees, green spaces and ecological systems.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Practical Methods To Propagate Fruit Trees
2026-03-28 13:30 - 15:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Explore two ways of propagating fruit trees in this hands-on session with experienced gardener Ben Cheah, held in the EcoMatters Organic Teaching Garden.
Together, we’ll go through the steps of chip budding (grafting a growth bud to a rootstock) and marcotting (growing roots on a stem while the stem’s still attached to the parent plant).
These simple, powerful and low-cost propagation techniques are ideal for plants that are not dormant — including tropical fruit trees, citrus, and temperate fruit trees that are actively growing in summer to early autumn. Discover how to grow new fruit trees in your community, using these cost effective methods.
ABOUT
Ben grew up in a tropical orchard in Malaysia and is an avid amateur gardener. He has taught Tropical Agriculture in Malaysian schools.
With wide experience and diplomas in Horticulture and also Permaculture Design, he has often been called to give talks and workshops for garden clubs and community gardens.

Photo credits: Ben Cheah (main);
123RF (fruit photos – apples and figs)
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Huia Weed Bin Weekend
2026-04-11 08:00 - 2026-04-12 17:00 | 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.

Laingholm Weed Bin Weekend
2026-04-11 08:00 - 2026-04-12 17:00 | Laingholm Hall Carpark, 69 Victory Road, Laingholm, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

Waiatarua Weed Bin Weekend
2026-04-11 08:00 - 2026-04-12 17:00 | Waiatarua Community Hall Carpark, 911 West Coast Road, Waiatarua, Auckland, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

Whau Women on Wheels: Learn to Ride Course
2026-04-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Avondale Learn-to-Ride Track, 10 Racecourse Parade, Avondale, Auckland, 1026
Join us for a fun session of empowerment, friendship, and the joy of pedalling together.
Tailored for women in the Whau area – New Windsor, Avondale, Glenavon, Blockhouse Bay, Green Bay, New Lynn, and Kelston.
This Bronze Bike Skills course is great for beginners. You’ll learn how to balance on a bike, how to pedal independently, and some basic bike handling skills. It’s a great option for anyone who hasn’t ridden before or for anyone who hasn’t been on a bike in a while.
Suitable for women 14 years old and over.
What to bring:
Wear closed toe shoes, bring a rain jacket (you never know with Auckland weather!), a drink bottle, and your own bike and helmet if they have one (if not we can provide one).
Event brought to you by the Whau Ethnic Collective and thanks to support from the Whau Climate Action Network and the Whau Local Board.
This event will be delivered by Bigfoot Adventures.
Cost: Free – But you must book a ticket to secure your place as spaces are limited. If you cannot attend for any reason please let us know ASAP so we can make the space available for someone else.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Mānutewhau Awa Clean Up - CANCELLED
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Manutewhau Community Hub, 74b Oreil Avenue, West Harbour, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
9/04 Cancelled – Due to the impending weather. For more information to prepare now for Cyclone Vaianu, click here.
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.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Kono Weaving with Nat Rose Te Hei
2026-04-12 10:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join Nat Rose Te Hei (Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Tainui, Tūwharetoa) in this fun beginners weaving workshop at the start of the school holidays.
Participants will learn to weave a kono (a small container). These are ideal for holding harvested kai and other small items.
Learn appropriate tikanga when harvesting and weaving harakeke.
On the day we’ll be doing:
Karakia timatanga (Opening prayer)
Mihimihi  (Welcoming and acknowledgements)
Whakawhanaungatanga  (Introductions)
Kaupapa ō te rā  (Weaving a kono)
Ngā tikanga/ Ūara  (Harvesting flax)
Mahi rāranga  (Lets get weaving)
Whakaaro  (Reflections, learnings)
Karakia Whakamutunga  (Closing karakia)
NOTES:

Please bring scissors.
For ages 10+ to adult

Supported by the Creative Communities Scheme.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 — a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Sunnyvale Stream Care Session
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:30 | 54A Awaroa Road, Sunnyvale, Auckland, 0602, New Zealand
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 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.

Avondale Stream Care Session
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:30 | 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 at Pecan Place at 10am or down by the stream at 10.15am.
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 Stream Care Crew and supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department.

Plant Power: Wellness Day
2026-04-19 10:00 - 15:00 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Join us at EcoMatters EcoHub for a nourishing day exploring good kai, mindful movement, creativity, connection, and climate-positive actions.
Support your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, with opportunities to connect, be active, take notice, and keep learning while caring for yourself and the planet.
On the Menu
10am–2pm (pop-in session)
Mindful Threads – a community art project with Tineswari Maruthamuthu (@themindfulmender)
Contribute to a collaborative wall hanging made from recycled and repurposed textiles, adding your own creativity to this sustainable, mindful artwork.
10.30–11.30am
The Power of Eating Plants with Luke Gabites – Planted Nutrition
Discover how eating more plants can support both your health and the planet. Luke explores the benefits of a plant-based diet – from improving wellbeing to reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and easing pressure on food systems.
Supported by Whau Climate Action Network
11.45am–12.15pm
Harvest and Tour at EcoMatters Organic Teaching Garden with Meg Liptrot
Join Meg for a relaxed garden tour and harvest. Gather fresh pizza ingredients and salad greens while learning about seasonal growing and caring for the garden.
12.30–2pm
Woodfired Pizza Making with Thom Gabites – Plant-Based Chef
Get hands-on in this relaxed session making woodfired, plant-based pizzas. Led by Thom, it draws on his garden-to-table approach and love of food as a way to bring people together.
1.30–2.30pm
Good Food Good Mood with Jane Gabites and Luke Gabites
This session with Jane (psychologist) and Luke (clinical nutritionist) explores how our relationship with food affects mood, energy, and overall wellbeing. Drawing on their podcast Thrive: Mind & Body, they share practical, approachable tips for eating to feel your best.
2.30–3.30pm
Move with Nature with Kris Walsh
A restorative movement workshop celebrating wellbeing in nature. Enjoy a gentle somatic warm-up and nature-inspired movement with music and shared rhythm. Inclusive for all, and held at the EcoHub and Olympic Park.
Things to note:
This is a fully plant-based event.
Includes one slice of plant-based pizza per attendee. Please note: we’re unable to accommodate additional dietary requirements.
Suitable for ages 10+
The ticket cost helps to cover our presenters’ time for the day.
This event is part of EcoFest 2026 – a month-long, community-powered festival celebrating nature, sustainable living and everyday climate action across Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover practical ideas, inspiring events and ways to deepen your learning at ecofest.org.nz.

Mornings by the Stream in Glen Eden
2026-04-29 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-04-30 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-05-06 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-05-07 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-05-13 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-05-14 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-05-20 09:15 - 12:15, 2026-05-21 09:15 - 12:15 and 1 more date | Glen Eden Streams – TBC – varies each day, Glen Eden
Join EcoMatters stream rangers Pam and Alanah as we care for one of the beautiful waterways in the heart of Glen Eden. As well as learning about the environmental restoration of our streams, you’ll get to work alongside others who want to see nature thrive.
This is a great way to make community connections, while enjoying our hidden natural gems. You can come for as long as you like.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring gardening gloves if you have any.
RSVP to find out where you’ll be meeting each day –
For Wednesdays, RSVP to pamela@ecomatters.org.nz
For Thursdays, RSVP to alanah@ecomatters.org.nz
This is part of Project Twin Streams, and supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

Green Bay Stream Care Session
2026-05-01 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.

Rongoā Māori workshop
2026-05-02 09:30 - 12:30 | EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Discover the traditions of Rongoā Rākau in this hands-on workshop exploring Māori plant-based healing. Learn key principles, native plant identification, and how these taonga are gathered and used.

We’ll also share a practical kōrero connecting Rongoā Rākau with the landscapes around us. Learn how these plants can help stabilise stream edges, reduce erosion, and support the land to absorb heavy rainfall – protecting our awa while creating habitats for native biodiversity.

This session offers a chance to connect with te taiao and be part of building a more resilient future.

Workshop in collaboration with Earth Action Trust. Thanks to Healthy Waters, Whau Local Board, and support by Whau Wildlink.

Every Bite - Cook with Confidence, with the Deaf Wellbeing Society’s Natasha
2026-05-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Auckland Deaf Society, 16 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland, 1042, New Zealand
Come and cook with Natasha! She has made over 220 recipe videos in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
We will learn easy recipes together. We will share kai and have fun.
This event is for Deaf and hard of hearing people. Family members and friends are welcome too.
There will be an NZSL interpreter.
Watch a New Zealand Sign Language translation about this event here.
What will happen on the night?

Learn about Every Bite
Watch Natasha cook
Share kai together
Win spot prizes

This event is suitable for people aged 14 and above.
What is Every Bite?
Every Bite is a four-week programme run by EcoMatters Environment Trust. It helps you:

Use food well
Waste less food
Save money

We will keep in touch along the way. Then we will meet again at the end.

Dundale Stream Care Session
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Council reserve area in front of 66a Dundale Avenue, Blockhouse Bay, 66a Dundale Avenue, Blockhouse Bay
Nau mai, haere mai! Come and help us at the Whau Stream to clean up rubbish and debris plus do some mulching, so we can get it ready for planting. 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.
Kids welcome but must be supervised. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required, and gardening gloves, a rain jacket and a sun hat are advised.
Questions? Email pamela@ecomatters.org.nz or ring 021 308 257.
Hosted by the Dundale Eco Neighbourhood and supported by EcoMatters and Auckland Council Healthy Waters.

Glen Eden Weed Bin Weekend
2026-05-16 08:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Konini Primary School, 44 Withers Road, Glen Eden, Auckland, Auckland, 0602, New Zealand

Titirangi Weed Bin Weekend
2026-05-16 08:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Zig Zag Track, Atkinson Park, Park Road, Auckland, New Zealand

Try an ebike for free - Glen Eden Community Market Pop Up
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Glen Eden Community House, 13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden, New Zealand
Considering an ebike but not sure if it’s right for you? Join us at Glen Eden Community Market for a free chance to take one for a ride and find out.
Our pop up stall will introduce you to the Go Ebike loan scheme we run through our Bike Hubs. At the market, you can take a quick test ride and chat with us about whether an ebike could work for your commute, errands or the school run. Then, if you want to, you can sign up to try other ebikes for an extended free loan of two weeks.

Save money on petrol and parking
Reduce your carbon footprint
Improve your physical and mental health
Get where you want to go quickly (without getting sweaty)
Easier to tackle hills or longer distances
Cargo ebikes or ebikes with child seats for the school run or errands

Come say hi to us at the Glen Eden Community Market or find out more about ebike loans at ecomatters.org.nz/ebikes
Thanks to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board for making this pop up possible!
