Sign In / Register
Grassroots conservation group Takatu LandCare (TLC) is holding its spring celebration and membership drive on Sunday, October 26 from 4pm to 6.30pm at the Tawharanui Lodge – the cutoff date for registration is Friday, October 17.
TLC chair John McIntyre says it’s more than just a social event – it’s a call for action in the face of increasing environmental threats and a reminder that conservation doesn’t happen without community input and support.
“We’re at a critical crossroads for sustainable conservation in Rodney East. In a climate of constrained funding, having the continuity of membership support and subscriptions is vital,” he says.
“Without it, essential work – from predator and weed control to habitat restoration and the protection of native birdlife – will be at risk. This event is about rallying our community to build the momentum we need to keep conservation moving forward.”
TLC’s goal is to reach 150 subscribed members next year.
“It’s not just about numbers; it’s about building long-term conservation resilience. The more members onboard, the stronger the collective voice for preserving Tawharanui Peninsula’s natural heritage.”
Membership fees and donations go directly to key projects:
• strengthening native habitat corridors on Tawharanui Peninsula
• supporting wildlife flourish outside the predator-proof fence of the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary
• community engagement and empowering local pride and environmental stewardship
The celebration will recognise “the incredible support” of current TLC members and is an opportunity for the group to connect with the wider community.
“With free entry for members and just $10 for non-members, guests can enjoy walk-and-fork-style catering featuring locally inspired dishes. A cash bar will be available, creating a relaxed atmosphere to mix and mingle with fellow conservationists, landowners and community conservation leaders,” he says
The afternoon will be headlined by educator Frances Valintine, a resident of Christian Bay. Her talk, titled “The Future of Aotearoa: Demographics, Development, and Decisions” will explore insights and expectations of NZ from now into the future.
“It will help us make better informed decisions going forward – offering a big-picture perspective with local relevance,” McIntyre says.
“We can’t talk about conservation without knowing what we want the future ecology to look like. If we want our grandchildren to enjoy the richness of our native birds and ecology, we must understand today’s challenges to take more informed, decisive action.
“Only then can we foster meaningful community collaboration and increase the support needed to secure a truly sustainable environment.
“In a region of increasing development and population growth, TLC holds that proactive conservation isn’t optional – it’s essential for protection of the natural environment and the well-being of the community.”
Takatu LandCare Spring Celebration & Membership Drive is at Tawharanui Lodge, 841 Takatu Road, Matakana on Sunday, October 26, 4pm to 6.30pm – the cutoff date for registration is Friday, October 17 Tickets: free for members, $10 non-members (pay online when registering or cash at door).
Register/buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/3ytfm3m4
For more information, or to sign up as a member, visit: https://takatulandcare.com
