Get Involved - give the region a helping handTūhono mai - āwhinatia te takiwā

Beach and river clean ups

We support schools, communities, and business groups with clean ups along the coast. Litter can be a real issue along our coastline and near our rivers. It’s a mucky job, but it’s also fun by the water and some interesting things are usually found.

Recent cleans-ups have been on the beach at Waitangi supported by the Environment Centre, the Taradale High Students annual river clean up at Tutaekurī, with the Havelock North Cubs along the Karamū Stream, and with Marewa School Eco-Warriors at the Latham Street Reserve.

Get involved

Beach and river clean ups are held regularly and often community groups organise these themselves. We can help with bags, gloves and rubbish disposal. We work closely with Napier City Council and Hastings District Council when we can.  

You are welcome to ask us if there are events you can join in. For more information, or if your group wants to organise a clean up, email enviro@hbrc.govt.nz

What to bring

• Yourself, your family, your friends and enthusiasm
• Sturdy boots, shoes or gumboots as beaches are rocky and there can be broken glass
• Jacket in case it cools off or rains
• Hat for sun and wind protection
• Sunscreen
• Work/garden gloves
• Bottle of water is essential & perhaps snacks to keep you going
• Backpack, bag or big pockets to keep these in.

Planting days

Every year we plant thousands of trees around the region - mostly on private land - and with the help of our community. Planting days are always fun - a bit of hard work and a lot of social time. And the more pairs of hands the better, kids can get in on the fun too. Marae planting days are also a great opportunity to find out about Māori customs and plant uses.

In the past few years we’ve planted at Waitangi Regional Park and along the Karamū Stream, and had a lot of fun with the community.

If you want to get involved check out our Facebook page to see our upcoming events.

What to bring

On planting days, come well equipped and ready to enjoy giving a helping hand, so bring:

• Yourself, your family, your friends and enthusiasm
• Sturdy boots, shoes or gumboots as it can been muddy or slippery
• Warm clothing, including jacket, woollen jersey as you are outdoors
• Hat, beanie to keep your head warm or dry
• Waterproof jacket/coat in case it rains
• Sunscreen
• Work/garden gloves
• Bottle of water is essential, perhaps snacks to keep you going
• Backpack, bag or big pockets to keep these in.

What we supply:

• Plants, fertilisers and usually pre-dug holes
• Spades, shovels
• Safety talk and roped off areas where there are hazards
• There may be a sausage sizzle or kai to celebrate a job well done.