Connection Through Conservation
Across the Whāingaroa Raglan landscape, more than 4,500 predator traps and 1,500 bait stations help protect our native wildlife. It's a huge network, and it simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible volunteers who give their time to care for it.
One of those volunteers is Becks.
After recently moving to Whāingaroa, Becks was looking for a way to connect with her new community and quickly found a place with Te Whakaoranga o Karioi.
“After living overseas for the past 10 years, it was time for me to return to Aotearoa and re-ground myself.”
"Growing up between Rotorua and Whakatāne, I was an East Coast girl, but the West Coast was calling this time. For me, this move has been all about connection, and Te Whakaoranga o Karioi is helping me find that," she says.
For Becks, volunteering has created opportunities to build connections in many ways — with the whenua, with other people, and with the wider community.
It's also opened the door to exploring parts of Whāingaroa she might never otherwise have seen.
"I love the different access to nature that the trapping network provides. I get to explore areas I never would have discovered without the project."
"Checking a trap surrounded by a grove of nīkau palms with the sound of the ocean right beside me – it's a pretty special way to spend an afternoon!"
Volunteers like Becks make a real difference. Every trap checked helps protect our native birds, reptiles and invertebrates, while strengthening the community that cares for this special place.
If you've been thinking about getting involved, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute to local conservation, explore beautiful places, and become part of a community working together to restore the biodiversity of Whāingaroa.
This story is just one example of the impact our volunteers have. We're grateful to COGS Waikato West for supporting initiatives that help keep our volunteer community thriving.
