Make Your Mark Nature Event
Warm weather and a bright blue sky greeted over 40 participants at Kaipātiki Project’s “Make Your Mark Nature Event”, first of many events to launch EcoFest 2025, a month-long celebration of sustainability across Tāmaki Makaurau. Held at Cadness Reserve in Northcote, the event took place alongside the beautiful Te Ara Awataha, a 1.5km greenway connecting nature and community through shared environmental restoration.
The day was bursting with energy and activity as the event brought together local residents, whānau and representatives from partner organisations such as Eke Panuku and Kāinga Ora, all eager to make a difference and connect with the community, coming together to care for the land and stream, while making new connections and learning from one another. In just a few hours, teams removed 2 cubic metres of weeds, made a visible impact on the stream and surrounding ecosystem and strengthened community ties through hands on mahi.
Participants expressed heartfelt appreciation for the work being done in their neighbourhood. Many commented on the supportive, like-minded atmosphere, the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds and the deep sense of connection that comes from giving back to te taiao. The day also offered a moment for celebration and reflection, with Kaipātiki Project staff interviewed by Kāinga Ora’s marketing team, including the support of freelance videographer Nicky MacDonald, who has been capturing EcoFest and other Beautification Trust events for several years. A series of stunning photos also captured the mahi and memories made on the day.
Event Highlights:
- Native Regeneration: Volunteers got hands-on with weed removal - 2 cubic metres of weeds removed.
- Stream Clean-Up: An impressive 6 bags of rubbish and 2 supermarket trolleys were removed from the stream corridor, showing just how impactful a single morning can be.
- Bike Kaipātiki Repair Hub: Local bike enthusiasts brought their wheels in for a tune up – 7 bikes were repaired on the day!
- Nature Art & Whānau Activities: Families enjoyed a range of creative and educational experiences connecting them with te taiao (the environment).
Bringing Nature Back to the Heart of Northcote
Te Ara Awataha is more than a greenway, it’s a living example of what’s possible when community, mana whenua and local partners come together to heal the land. Once buried in pipes, the Awataha Stream has now been daylighted and its mauri (life essence) restored through collaborative efforts guided by the Take Mauri Take Hono framework which was developed to influence and measure the uplift in mauri (life essence) from Te Ara Awataha. 
Since 2019, Kaipātiki Project has led the restoration efforts at Papa ki Awataha (Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve), in partnership with mana whenua, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, Kāinga Ora, Auckland Council, Northcote Development and Kaipātiki Local Board. The results are visible, native manu such as tūī, kererū, kotare and even kākā are returning.
Join the Green Revolution
EcoFest 2025 continues throughout the month with a wide range of events focused on sustainability, creativity, clean transport, kai resilience and more. Whether you’re keen to learn, lend a hand or simply connect with others in your community, there’s a place for you.
Visit kaipatiki.org.nz to explore upcoming events and opportunities.