8–14 SEPTEMBER 2025 | BAY OF PLENTY
Footprints for Our Future - Events
Hosted by the Rotary Bay of Plenty Community Group
Evening event
10 September 5:30PM 2025
Join us for a powerful evening of conversation and connection as we hear from three respected voices in environmental research and community leadership – Dr Mike Joy, Prof Chris Battershill, and John Burke.
This event held at University of Waikato – Tauranga Campus, will explore the state of our waterways, the science behind restoration, and the practical steps communities can take to protect and regenerate natural environments. You’ll also hear inspiring local stories of action already underway in the Bay of Plenty, leaving you informed, hopeful, and ready to be part of the change.
Club-Led Environmental Action Days
13-14 September 2025
This is where we get our hands dirty — in the best possible way. Rotary clubs across the region will be coordinating a series of local clean-ups, native tree plantings, and awa restoration projects in the Bay of Plenty.
It’s a day for everyone to step outside, work together, and contribute to the health of our land and waterways. Whether you're pulling weeds, planting seedlings, or collecting rubbish, your mahi will leave a visible, lasting mark. Families, schools, and community groups are all encouraged to take part.
Events 8-14 Sept 2025
Project: Planting natives (Katikati)
Location: The Landing, central Katikati, adjacent to Uretara River
Date & Time: 10 September | 1.00pm
In collaboration with: Katikati Primary School, Project Parore
Rotary Club: Katikati
Project: Clearing Mangroves (Omokoroa)
Location: End of Jess Rd - off Plummer's Point Road, Whakamarama. There will be a Rotary flag flying so you won't miss us)
Date & Time: 11 September | 2.00pm
Bring: Afternoon tea provided at 3.30pm. Old sandshoes (gumboots get stuck very easily), gloves, sunhats, cutting tools such as secateurs, loppers, hoe, small spade, water bottle.
Rotary Club: Omokoroa
Project: Complete reserve renovation (Kawerau)
Location : Keith McKenzie Park (Kawerau), near the Ruruanga Stream,
Date & Time: 13 September | 09:00 - 12:30
In collaboration with: Kawerau District Council, Youth Council, Tarawera High, Kawerau New World, Tuwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai
Event details: Clear walkway, plant riverbank, reinstate & paint bridges, repair & paint tables and signs
Rotary Club: Kawerau
Project: Dune Planting 1500-2000 plants (Papamoa)
Location: Taylor Reserve, 1011 Papamoa Beach Road
Date & Time: 13 September | 09:45 - 12:00
In collaboration with: Coast Care Bay of Plenty
Rotary Club: Papamoa
Project: Plant 200 native trees + Free BBQ for kids (Ohope)
Location: Ohau Reserve (closest to Elizabeth Street), Ohope
Date & Time: 13 September | 9:00 - 12:00
In collaboration with: Whakatane District Council, Whakatane High school Interact club, Trident High school Interact club, whanau and the wider community
Rotary Club: Whakatāne
Project: Plant 5,000 Native trees in K Valley (Tauranga)
Location: End of Marshalls Ave off Barkes Cnr SH29 & Cameron Rd, Greerton, Tauranga
Date & Time: 14 September | 10:00 - 12:00
In collaboration with: Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Power Co, and the Kopurererua Valley Rotary Centennial Trust.
Event details: Limited parking at site, some close by. Wear sturdy boots preferably gumboots, bring spade & water bottle. Toilet & BBQ Food available
Rotary Clubs: Tauranga Te Papa, Tauranga Sunrise, Tauranga, Otumoetai & Waikato/BoP Rotaract
Who We’re Reaching
A Region-Wide Impact
Footprints for Our Future is designed to reach far and wide — not just through local participation but through media, digital channels, and Rotary networks across the Bay of Plenty. With over 500 attendees expected across both main events, we’re creating momentum that extends well beyond the week itself.
500+
attendees across events
Exposure
Media and radio coverage
8 Rotary Clubs
Digital promotion from 8 Rotary clubs
