Local groups You might like to Join?
Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming when we start to think about all of the problems in the world and it can be easy to feel powerless. But you’re not. One person, or even better, a group of people, can make a huge difference.
Here’s a list of local conservation groups you might like to think about supporting or even joining. Or maybe you could start your own?
This is not a comprehensive list by any means and if you think a group should be in this list please email us. We have chosen groups who have a focus on fighting for action to prevent climate change and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
Extinction Rebellion Aotearoa
Extinction Rebellion (XR) are an international climate action group which started in 2018 in the UK when activists saw that our world is facing a climate and ecological crisis and realised governments are not acting fast enough. XR choose peaceful civil disobedience as a way to raise public awareness of the need for change and urge government to take stronger measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, halt biodiversity loss and protect our natural environment.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, XR recognises the need for climate justice to start with honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We want Te Tiriti-based Climate Assemblies as a way for our communities to be involved in deliberative democracy and decision making.
Our four demands to Government are:
- Tell the truth about the climate and ecological crisis
- Zero emissions by 2025
- Te Tiriti-based Climate Assemblies to be established
- Restore the mana of the land.
There are groups in all of the main centres who get together for meetings, camps, making art and protest actions.
Website | Facebook
Greenpeace NZ
Greenpeace started in 1971 when a crew of twelve people set sail in an old fishing boat to bear witness to the US nuclear bomb tests off Amchitka Island, Alaska, and to try to prevent the test going ahead. Naming themselves ‘Greenpeace’, the crew declared to media: “Our goal is a very simple, clear and direct one – to bring about a confrontation between the people of death and the people of life. We insist upon conserving the environment for our children and future generations”.
Today, Greenpeace is comprised of 27 independent national/regional organisations in over 55 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, as well as a co-ordinating body, Greenpeace International.
Greenpeace is very active in Aotearoa and there are lots of information and petitions you can sign on their website and information on their social media about their conservation work/protest actions and how to get involved with the group.
Website | Facebook
350 Aotearoa
350 Aotearoa is part of an international environmental group addressing the climate crisis. It aims to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by building a global, grassroots movement.
The 350 in the name stands for 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide, which has been identified as the safe upper limit to avoid causing runaway climate change. As of 2019, the concentration was 415 ppm and rising.
Through online campaigns, grassroots organizing and mass public actions, and collaboration with an extensive network of partner groups and organizations, 350.org mobilized thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries. It was one of the many organizers of the September 2019 Global Climate Strike which evolved from the Friday's For The Future movement. Their main aims are to -
(1)Keep carbon in the ground. (2)Help build a new, more equitable low-carbon economy (3)Pressure governments into limiting emissions
In Aoteroa they are particularly active in trying to stop school’s burning coal for heating and encouraging banks not to invest in fossil fuels. There are many local branches around the country you can join.
Website | Facebook
Forest and Bird
Since 1923 Forest & Bird has played a crucial role in preserving New Zealand’s environment and native species. They have helped to establish protection for a third of the country’s land mass, put an end to logging our publicly-owned native forests and helped prevent species such as the kakapo and kokako becoming extinct.
They have around 80,000 members and supporters in Aotearoa and their dedicated staff advocate for better legislation and policy to protect nature. Members also engage with local and regional councils to speak for nature in local and regional planning forums and educate their communities about conservation and environmental issues.
Forest and Bird is a very active local conservation group. They have lots of petitions on their website you can sign and a great quarterly magazine if you join them. There are many local branches across the country who have regular talks and outings.
Website | Facebook
Kiwi Conservation Club
They even have their own group for young people – the Kiwi Conservation Club – which has its own magazine/website/outings and meetings.
Website | Facebook
School Strike for Climate
School Strike for Climate is run by students aged 8-18 from cities and towns in every corner of New Zealand, united by their concerns for the planet.
Inspired by Greta Thunberg's strikes in Europe the group organises regular strikes and other protests to tell our politicians to take young people’s futures more seriously and treat climate change for what it is - a crisis.
Your own school may already have a group. If not why don’t you consider setting one up?
Website | Facebook
World Wide Fund For Nature(NZ)
The World Wide Fund for Nature is the world’s largest organization dedicated to protecting nature and looking after the planet. In New Zealand they particularly focus on protecting marine life, especially those on the brink of extinction like the Māui’s dolphin.
They also work with local communities to protect our endangered species, and look after the beautiful native bush and amazing landscapes of New Zealand.
Website
FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE
Fridays For Future, FFF, is a global grassroots climate activism group.
It was started by Greta Thunberg in 2018, when she began striking outside her parliament in Sweden at 15 years old.
Fridays For Future is now a global climate activism movement.
The Global Goals of Fridays For Future -The goal of the movement is to put moral pressure on policymakers, to make them listen to the scientists, and then to take rapid action to limit global warming. Our movement is independent of commercial interests and political parties and knows no borders. We strike because we care for our planet and each other. We have hope that humanity can change, avert the worst climate disasters and build a better future. Every day there are more of us and together we are strong. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is needed. No one is too small to make a difference.
The Global Demands of Fridays For Future -Keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. -ensure climate justice and equity. -listen to the best united science currently available. In Aotearoa there is currently a Fridays For Future Ōtepoti(Dunedin) Fridays For Future Wellington, Fridays For Future Tāmaki Makaurau(Auckland) and Fridays For Future Kaitaia.
https://www.fridaysforfuture.nz/
Generation Zero
https://www.generationzero.org/
TE ARA WHATU
https://tearawhatu.org/