Te Wā o Te Taiao is a collaborative programme supporting local restoration efforts for te taiao (nature) across Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui (the lower North Island).
Through events and training, we are building capability and networks to support meaningful action for the environmental restoration of the places we care about.
This year's programme of events is supported by Greater Wellington and delivered by Mountains to Sea Wellington with local partners.
Upcoming events in 2027
Explore opportunities to connect with others and support local restoration efforts.
Planning is underway for a range of activities across the region, including community connection events, environmental workshops, and freshwater and coastal learning opportunities. More details to come in December!
Join our mailing list to hear about upcoming events, learning opportunities and programme updates.
Introducing Te Wā o Te Taiao
Te Wā o Te Taiao means a time for focusing on the natural world. It builds on more than 20 years of Restoration Day, which brought together volunteers, community groups and organisations from across the Wellington region to learn, connect and celebrate restoration efforts for te taiao (nature).
Following a 2023–24 review, Restoration Day turned into Te Wā o Te Taiao: a more locally focused, flexible and sustainable approach that creates opportunities for connection, learning and collaboration throughout the year.
There are over 200 community volunteer organisations, small and large, taking action to improve their local environment in the Wellington region. Te Wā o Te Taiao brings these groups together with opportunities to learn, coordinate, and collaborate with one another.
By working together towards a common goal, we can have a greater impact, strengthen the resilience of our region and help the environment to thrive.
The long-term vision is for communities, mana whenua and partner organisations to collectively shape Te Wā o Te Taiao. Greater Wellington currently helps facilitate coordination and collaboration as the initiative continues to grow and evolve.
Te Wā o Te Taiao in action
In 2025, Te Wā o Te Taiao delivered events in Kāpiti, led by local groups and community partners.
Edgewater Community planting day
Led by Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Friends of Waikanae River, and Parikawau Restoration Group.
Find out more about Edgewater Community planting day >
Ōtaki River planting day
Led by Friends of the Ōtaki River and Greater Wellington River Rangers.
Find out more about Ōtaki River planting day >
Waitohu Stream dune planting
Led by Waitohu Stream and Dune Care Group.
Find out more about Waitohu Stream dune planting >
AWE Wānanga at Wharemauku Stream
Led by Sharlene Maoate-Davis, Sarah Hopkinson and Amanda Dobson.
Find out more about AWE Wānanga >
Learn from past webinars
Past Restoration Day webinars have supported community-led restoration by sharing practical knowledge, local experiences and restoration expertise from across the region.
Get involved
Whether you're already involved in ecological restoration or just getting started, there are many ways to contribute to Te Wā o Te Taiao.
- Attend an event or workshop.
- Connect with others in your area.
- Share knowledge and experience.
- Suggest an activity or idea for the programme.
- Help shape future opportunities for your community.
We'd love to hear about local opportunities, community needs and ways to work together.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates on upcoming events, learning opportunities and programme developments.
Get in touch
- Phone:
- 0800 496 734
- Email:
- info@gw.govt.nz