Project Parore, based in Katikati, is an incorporated society and registered charity dedicated to practical ecological restoration. Their mission is to advocate for and implement improvements in various environmental aspects, including freshwater quality, soil health, native habitats, and biodiversity—from the hills to the harbor. With a landscape-scale vision for enhanced environmental stewardship, their focus spans the eight catchments of northern Tauranga Harbour, extending from Aongatete to Waiau.

Objectives:

• To collaborate with primary sector groups to promote broad-scale land use changes, assisting landowners in adopting industry-approved Good Management Practices and developing Environment Plans.
• To partner with landowners, supported by funding from agencies and local philanthropic organisations, to retire, fence, and plant along stream banks and critical source areas.
• To foster native bird populations along the river and coastal walkways in Katikati by implementing rodent, hedgehog, and mustelid baiting and trapping during the nesting season.
• To work alongside the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to control invasive pest plants and to plant and maintain native vegetation along the estuary and coastal margins.
• To collaborate with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to manage the spread of mangroves across the estuary and into the salt marsh area at the mouth of the Uretara Stream.
• To support students engaged in environmental programs related to their estuary and catchments.

Both rural and urban landowners and residents are encouraged to get involved—volunteer at their nursery, assist with planting, trap pests, or remove invasive weed species. They can participate in citizen science initiatives that monitor biodiversity and water quality, or contact Project Parore to explore how they can support restoration and environmental protection efforts on their property or within their catchment community.

Project Parore is deeply grateful for the substantial financial support received from the Ministry for the Environment, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and BayTrust, which has been instrumental to their work. They would also like to thank TECT and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, along with the landowners and residents who generously contribute their time to make a positive impact on the environment.

For more information, interested individuals can visit Project Parore