There are over 100 community groups in Christchurch carrying out activities and education for sustainability and to improve the local environment. Many of these groups work alongside Christchurch City Council while some work independently within their communities.
Working with a group is a great way to get to know your local community and it can be fun. It’s also an effective way of contributing to your local environment, and building your community’s connections and resilience to change.
Join an existing community group project
Many community groups welcome new faces and the skills, experience and time you can offer. Even if you only have a little spare time, or you just want to know about what they do, your interest would be welcome.
Here are some groups that you might consider contacting and volunteering with:
Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust (waterways issues, clean ups)Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens (gardening, tour guiding)Styx Living Laboratory Trust (water monitoring, planting, education; Brooklands)Summit Road Society (planting, weed busting, track work; Port Hills)Travis Wetland Trust (planting, weed busting; Travis Wetland, Burwood).If you can’t find the information you need, please contact us.
Get support for a new community group project or event
If you have an idea of a project that will help protect, enhance or educate about our local environment, and you have a group of keen people, Council may be able to provide some support.
Funding support
There are numerous ways to get funding and funding advice for your project.
Advice and practical support
- Christchurch City Council staff can provide advice and support for aspects of your group or project, such as how to form and organise a group, run meetings and events, applying for funding and having input into Council processes. Contact us and ask to speak to your local Community Development Adviser.
- To find out about other assistance and opportunities for your group join the Canterbury Not-for-Profit Forum.
Working in parks
If your project idea involves a Council-managed park (or area around a river or waterway), you will need to contact the Council’s Greenspace (Parks) team to let us know and see what support we can offer.
- Read our Volunteer Guidelines
- Then contact us by filling in this volunteer enquiry form.
- Please understand that while we will endeavour to support your project idea, this will depend on a few factors including staff capacity and management priorities.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.
