Are you curious about what’s happening in the forests, reserves, and coastal areas around Whakamārama and Ōmokoroa?

A new EWOC - Environmental Whakamārama Ōmokoroa Coordinator - is planning volunteer projects for the area beginning with a relaxed community evening on Thursday.

Leonie Johnsen, the newly appointed Environmental Volunteer Coordinator for Whakamārama Community Inc. (WCI) and Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc. (OEMI), is looking forward to involving people with local environmental efforts.

The Meet Your Conservation Neighbours event, hosted at Whakamārama Hall, will bring together local volunteers, conservation groups, and newcomers for an informal evening of conversation, connection, and shared ideas.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 20, from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at Whakamārama Hall. Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a plate.

Johnson aims to introduce the community to the conservation efforts already in place in the area and help build connections between the rural and urban communities.

"There’s so much incredible work already happening in our forests and reserves, but often people don’t know about it or how they could get involved in a way that suits them," Johnson said.

"This event is all about curiosity over commitment—you don’t have to sign up for anything, just come along, listen, have a chat, and see what sparks your interest."

Attendees can expect short talks from local conservation groups discussing their projects, opportunities to meet new people, and learn about simple, low-commitment ways to support the environment.

These include activities like setting traps, planting trees, weeding, baking for morning teas, or helping behind the scenes.

"This is really about bringing people together—volunteers who have been doing this work for years, alongside newcomers who just want to know more. It’s an open invitation to be part of something bigger, in whatever way works for you,” said Johnsen.

Whether you're passionate about conservation or just curious, the event offers a chance to meet like-minded people and explore opportunities for projects promoting a corridor from the forest to the sea - connecting the rural and urban communities and renaturing Whakamārama and Ōmokoroa.

Meet Your Conservation Neighbours event is being held from 6.30pm - 8.30pm, on Thursday, March 20, at Whakamārama Hall, 469 Whakamārama Road, Whakamārama. For more information email Leonie Johnsen on evc@omokoroa.org.nz