Growing roots, growing connections

Getting your hands in the soil isn’t just good for papatuanuku – it’s great for you too! 

At Restore Hibiscus and Bays, we’re incredibly grateful for our passionate volunteers. From Campbells Bay to Waiwera, locals are doing the mahi — removing pest plants, restoring bush, planting trees, trapping predators, and protecting our unique biodiversity on the  North Shore.   Their work goes often unseen, but the impact is enormous! 

So why do they volunteer? What keeps them coming back for more? 

Science Says : Nature’s Antidepressant 

Time in nature lowers levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases the release of serotonin and endorphins—neurochemicals that help us feel calm, connected, and happy! The repetitive, grounding actions of weeding, digging, or planting can have a meditative effect, easing anxiety and lifting low moods.  

Even the soil itself plays a role: a naturally occurring microbe called Mycobacterium vaccae found in dirt has been shown to stimulate the brain’s serotonin production. Simply put, digging, planting, and connecting with the whenua can reduce anxiety,  and restore your mental wellbeing! 

Giving Back 

There’s also something deeply human about doing something for nothing. In a world where so much revolves around transactions, giving your time freely fosters a sense of purpose and connection. Volunteering taps into our natural instinct to care—for the land, for each other, for future generations. 

Connection: To Each Other and to Place 

A sense of connection — to people and to the whenua — is a powerful and crucial part of community wellbeing. 

 In a relatively disconnected / technical world, volunteering brings people together. Whether you’ve lived in the area for years or are new to the neighbourhood, working bees offer a chance to meet others, make new friends, socialise and swap stories – let conservation be the starting point for conversation!    

Physical Health: A Workout with Purpose 

 Planting and weeding are more than just good deeds — they’re great exercise. Activities like lifting, digging, and mulching provide a full-body, low-impact workout that improves strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness.  

It all happens under an open sky, surrounded by beautiful bush, birdsong and fresh air! No gym membership needed here!   

 Papatūānuku and the Climate 

Restoring native bush and removing invasive pest plants not only improves our local biodiversity it also safeguards the critical North-West corridor for bird life. 

Trees also absorb carbon dioxide, making them powerful allies in our fight against climate change. 

Join Us 

If that doesn’t inspire you nothing will! Come along to a working bee — for the birds, the bush, the climate, and most importantly for you!