Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) is an environmental charity with a difference.
The organisation aims to connect people to the natural environment through various conservation programmes and events. At the same time, it works to enhance the wellbeing of volunteers, delivering both environmental and social outcomes for the local community.
Earlier this month, CVNZ was on the organising committee that helped to coordinate more than 800 volunteers from community groups, businesses and schools for the annual "Mother of all Cleanups" event over Mother's Day weekend. Volunteers cleared 2.6 tonnes of rubbish from areas including the Ōtākaro Avon River, the Ōpawaho Heathcote River and the Ihutai Estuary.
The inaugural event had just five participating groups but has grown significantly, reflecting community collaboration and CVNZ's efforts to help build a diverse and engaged volunteer network in Canterbury.
"Conservation Volunteers New Zealand's focus is on creating and supporting environmentally involved communities," says CVNZ Conservation Coordinator Donna Lusby.
"We do this by designing and running programmes to engage a broad range of community, school, corporate and government groups in conservation activities - tree planting, plant care and maintenance, predator control and litter pickups.
"We aim to make these activities informative and educational for our volunteers, in this way providing a full experience as well as passing on our passion for care of the natural world."
What began as an organisation with two staff members in one office is now a network of hundreds of staff, volunteers, and supporters across offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Punakaiki.
South Island funder Rātā Foundation supports CVNZ through its Sustain focus area, funding the group's local Community Conservation Programme (CCP) in Canterbury and supporting the Mother of all Cleanups.
CCP offers weekly opportunities for volunteers to connect with environmental initiatives and those of collaborating organisations throughout the region.
The point of difference for CVNZ is sharing conservation knowledge with volunteers and exposing them to a variety of different projects. It is hoped that this will help to grow the volunteer base for the 30-plus community conservation and reserve groups CVNZ works alongside.
"The Community Conservation Programme responds directly to the needs of the local environment and community by providing opportunities for volunteers to participate in a wide range of local conservation efforts with the aim of environmental protection and regeneration of biodiversity while building community," says Donna.
"Our volunteer events allow people to take positive action in their immediate environment and to see tangible results such as increased native tree cover, cleaner water and engaged communities."
From 2023-2024, CVNZ delivered 55 events, engaging 597 people for 1,791 volunteer hours. Volunteers completed 1,726 plantings, contributed to almost 10,000 square metres of plant care and weeding, and removed 330 kilograms of rubbish.
Rātā Chief Executive Leighton Evans says CVNZ is building a community of volunteers whose efforts will benefit generations to come.
"Individuals cannot overcome the environmental challenges we are facing; it is going to take collaboration and communities working together to reduce adverse environmental impacts for future generations," says Leighton.
"By working closely with other organisations and engaging volunteers of all ages and from various backgrounds, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand is ensuring its efforts have a greater reach into communities."
Donna says the group views the diversity of the local community as its "greatest strength" and aims to remove barriers to participation so that more people can get involved in actions benefitting the environment. This includes providing tools, equipment and transport where possible and ensuring accessible project locations.
Alison is a part-time relief teacher who has volunteered with CVNZ for two years.
"I am passionate about volunteering to restore our wild places and believe it helps to recalibrate us both mentally and physically," says Alison.
"A morning of volunteering helps to fill my bucket, and I appreciate meeting wonderful people, including other volunteers and project partners."
CVNZ has placed community partnership at its core from the beginning, collaborating with other organisations and community groups to deliver conservation programmes and events. Other local projects include the annual Seaweek Cleanup, Kaimahi for Nature – Whakaraupō (a Jobs for Nature partnership with Te hapū o Ngāti Wheke and Living Springs) and the Whaka Ora Pest Project in Lyttelton Harbour.
Further afield, Nelson was one of three regional centres where CVNZ delivered Conservation Work Skills in partnership with the Ministry for Social Development, a 12-week programme supporting unemployed people back into the workforce by teaching practical skills through restoration efforts.
To learn more about Conservation Volunteers New Zealand and how you can get involved as a volunteer, visit the website: Conservation Volunteers New Zealand