We are so blessed in Ngaio to have a thriving ecosystem of ngahere (bush) and awa (rivers) around us. These ecosystems are good for our health and spirits, but also help to reduce our emissions as a suburb as they soak up carbon, and protect us from climate change impacts like overheating and flooding. Much of the health of these ecosystems is due to community groups working hard to protect and restore over the years.
See below a list of groups that would love to have your support!
- The Trelissick Park Group has been running for years to look after one of our best nature spots in Wellington, and the path of the precious Kaiwharawhara awa. https://trelissickpark.org.nz/ How to help: check out their website for working bee dates, adopt a spot scheme, and lots of information about advocacy for and history of the park.
- Kia Mouriora Te Kaiwharawhara https://www.visitzealandia.com/about/our-work/sanctuary-to-sea/ is a collaboration led by Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne in partnership with mana whenua Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. They work with local businesses, community groups, and other organisations to restore the mouri of Te Kaiwharawhara whaitua. Ngaio and Crofton Downs are important parts of the catchment for this awa.
- Korimako Track Builders https://www.facebook.com/groups/401073181724390/ This group works hard every weekend to build new walking tracks in the hills above Ngaio so our community can get out and about in the ngahere more.
- Our community was where predator free movements started taking hold (in Crofton Downs!) and so it’s great to still have active groups supporting our communities to protect our native bird and lizard life. You can join your local group to get trapping https://www.pfw.org.nz/trapping/groups/predator-free-ngaio/.
- Once a week on a Tuesday morning, a group of people led by local Des, gather at Awarua Train station to do planting and weed control of the regenerating bush in this area. They are always keen for more people to join them.
- Mountains to Sea https://www.mountainstoseawellington.org/events/korimako-stream-open-day teamed up with Ngaio Climate Crew to run the Korimako Stream Open day in April 2026. It was great to learn about the water quality in our small local stream, and the Tūna and other animals that live in it. Keep an eye out for more events with them, or get in touch if you would like to help organise another.