Across the rohe - region - thousands of dedicated volunteers give their time freely to care for the environment.

Last year 57,105 native dune plants were planted along the Bay of Plenty coast thanks to 3107 local volunteers as part of the Coast Care restoration programme alone.

'While the work of community organised care groups transforming nearby reserves, rivers, estuaries, and bush is vital for local biodiversity and ecosystems. It's also a wonderful way to make friends while making a difference,” says Coastal Catchments team leader Charles Harley.

Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu – National Volunteer Week is on from June 18-24, to honour the collective energies and mana of volunteers in New Zealand.

The theme this year is ‘he wā pīataata – time to shine' – and the week is a great way to get out there and volunteer your time to a plethora of great causes.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council works with more than 70 care groups across the region, providing support, technical advice, and funding.

Last year $500,000 was awarded to care groups to deliver on environmental projects, recognising the enthusiasm, knowledge and diverse skill sets of locals to create real change.

Volunteer groups start with a few passionate people putting their environmental concerns into action, from trapping pests to planting native trees, and grow to become established care groups. While they often fly under the radar, we all get to enjoy the benefits of their work.

This National Volunteer Week thank a volunteer; or better still join a care group near you.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities in our region by visiting: www.boprc.govt.nz or www.volunteeringservices.org.nz/volunteer-opportunities

Want to start a new care group or join an existing one? Call: 0800 884 880 or email: caregroups@boprc.govt.nz