MEDIA RELEASE
15th December, 2025

Tauranga City Council Builds Guardians for the City’s Natural Spaces

Across Tauranga’s coastlines, wetlands, and reserves, volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to protect the city’s natural environment. Through Tauranga City Council’s (TCC) environmental initiatives, community collaboration is helping care for and restore some of Tauranga’s most valued natural spaces.

Hands-on and under the sun, KPMG Tauranga staff volunteer to clear weeds and overgrowth

Angus Gough, TCC’s Community & Customer Coordinator, shares that the programme grew from recognising the work many people were already doing in their own neighbourhoods. “We found there were community members across the city already caring for local reserves and even planting up to hundreds of trees,” he says. “What this allows the council to do is officialize support to any group wanting to do environmental work by creating safe and meaningful ways for people to be involved.”

TCC is fostering long-term engagement by partnering with schools, corporates, and locals to become kaitiaki, or guardians, of their own areas. The initiative offers hands-on opportunities across Tauranga’s 1,500 hectares of parkland, helping participants build environmental awareness, support social responsibility, and work alongside the council’s ongoing environmental management. Angus adds, “I walked past a patch I planted with volunteers two years ago. It’s thriving, and seeing the difference over time is inspiring.”

The council’s volunteering programme continues to grow, with events such as the recent KPMG group volunteering session. Michelle King, Business Support Coordinator at KPMG Tauranga, says the experience was a positive one. “The team really enjoyed themselves and appreciated being able to contribute to a practical project that supports Tauranga’s natural spaces.”

KPMG Tauranga volunteers clearing overgrowth to give back and improve Tauranga’s green spaces.

This ongoing initiative supports and connects volunteers with the guidance and resources they need, complementing the council’s ongoing environmental work while encouraging long-term stewardship across the community. TCC encourages anyone interested to get in touch so our volunteers can be well-supported as they care for Tauranga’s natural environment.

If you’d like to volunteer or your group needs support, Volunteering Services can help. Visit www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987 0920.