The Whau River Catchment Trust

02/10/2026

This is the 8th installment of the Whau Biodiversity Survey! Thank you to everyone who has been uploading observations in the Whau River Catchment.

This video features a rare introduced rust fungus discovered by our Restoration Coordinator, Angus, the ditch millet found by Tommy Forest, as well as a few fascinating hybrid species!

To get a chance to be featured in the next Te Whau Biodiversity Survey video, download the iNaturalist app, make an account, and start taking pictures of wildlife around you!

Our next video will feature observations in the Whau River Catchment from 25th of September to 9th of October.

VOLUNTEER WITH WRCT
(E: [email protected])

02/10/2026

Got a little time? Make a big impact.

Join the Whau River Catchment Trust’s volunteer trapping network and help protect our native wildlife.

30/09/2026

Pest Trapping Volunteers Wanted

The Whau River Catchment Trust is looking for volunteers to join our pest trapping programme and help protect native biodiversity across the Rosebank Peninsula and other WRCT restoration sites.

Volunteers will help with:

Setting and checking traps
Maintaining and repairing traps
Monitoring and controlling pest mammals such as rats and possums
Supporting our wider ecological restoration work

No previous trapping experience is required. We’ll provide guidance on how to safely handle and maintain the traps.

When: Thursdays, 9am–4pm
Where: WRCT Office, Blockhouse Bay Recreation Reserve

A full driver’s licence is recommended, as most of our traps are around the Rosebank Peninsula. However, it is not required, and there are still plenty of trapping-related tasks you can help with at the office if you don’t drive.

If you’re interested in conservation, want to gain some hands-on experience, or simply want to help look after the local environment, we’d be happy to have you join us.

If you’re interested, email Andrian at [email protected] or come along on a Thursday morning.

28/09/2026

Natural w**d control

What happens when plants from other parts of the world arrive in Ao...

25/09/2026

What is an ecosystem?

Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) is a diverse patchwork of unique ecosystems. From our rugged volcanic hills to tidal mangrove creeks, a distinct group of native species lives and interacts together.

Did you know these local environment facts?

Tāmaki Makaurau features 36 distinct native ecosystem types.
Almost 40% of Auckland's unique land and wetland ecosystems are classified as Critically Endangered due to historical land clearance.
Less than 1% of our region’s original pūriri forest ecosystems remain intact today.

Because everything is connected, tracking what lives in our backyards is the first step towards restoring them.

Help us map our local biodiversity! Mark your calendars for our upcoming BioBlitz activity on 21 November 2026. We are looking for everyone from seasoned nature enthusiasts to absolute beginners to help us find, identify and document as many living species as possible alongside ecological experts.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up today here: https://forms.gle/7Du11DgDWmhjSFid9

22/09/2026

BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST FOR A DAY!

Are you ready to discover the unique wildlife right in your neighbourhood? Join the Whau River Catchment Trust for the Wairau Creek Community BioBlitz!

Whether you are a seasoned Inaturalist user or just love spending time outdoors, your hands-on help will map critical local biodiversity and directly guide our ongoing restoration efforts.

🗓️ WHEN: Saturday, 21st November 2026, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Kelston Community Hub (Exact meeting point, site maps, and safety details will be sent directly to your inbox immediately after you sign up!)
📱 WHAT WE’RE USING: The free iNaturalist app to record our findings. Don't forget to download the app before attending the event. Don't worry if you haven't used the app before, our volunteers will be on-site to help you get set up and exploring.
✨ Spaces are managed to keep everyone safe along the riverbanks, so make sure to secure your volunteer spot ahead of time!

👇 HOW TO REGISTER:
1️⃣ Scan the QR code on the flyer below with your smartphone camera, OR
2️⃣ Click the direct link right here to sign up in less than a minute: https://forms.gle/DG7fG2FG1kT5LiEaA

Let’s explore, document, and protect our local waterways together. See you on the creek bed! 🐦🦀🌱

16/09/2026

11/09/2026

This is the 7th installment of the Whau Biodiversity Survey! It’s great to see so many people uploading observations this week and helping us build a better picture of the biodiversity found throughout the Whau River Catchment.

This video features some observations taken on Stephen Thorpe's memorial BioBlitz and also includes an extremely rare parasitoid wasp found by Angus, our Ecological Restoration Coordinator.

To get a chance to be featured in the next Te Whau Biodiversity Survey video, download the iNaturalist app, make an account, and start taking pictures of wildlife around you!

Our next video will feature observations in the Whau River Catchment from 4th of September to 18th of September.

VOLUNTEER WITH WRCT
(E: [email protected])

08/09/2026

Take your rubbish home with you…….

07/09/2026

WRCT is at the AUT Summer Volunteering Expo today!

Come find us at WG201 on the AUT City Campus from 10am to 1pm and have a chat with our Environmental Education Coordinator, Andrian, about the volunteering opportunities currently available with WRCT.

Whether you’re interested in environmental education, biodiversity, restoration, or community conservation, come along and find out how you can get involved!