FriendsGO Champions Leave No Trace at Arataki: A Commitment to Conservation
- James Kozlowski
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
This past weekend, FriendsGO gathered at the iconic Arataki Visitor Centre for a hands-on Leave No Trace education workshop. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Waitākere Ranges, our team of outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and volunteers came together to learn, discuss, and put into practice the principles that help protect Aotearoa’s precious natural spaces.
Arataki: The Gateway to the Waitākere Ranges
Nestled in the heart of the lush Waitākere Ranges, Arataki Visitor Centre is more than just a starting point for outdoor adventures—it’s a place of connection, education, and cultural significance. From the moment visitors arrive, they are greeted by the towering 11-metre kauri pou, intricately carved by members of Te Kawerau ā Maki, reaffirming their guardianship over the ‘Great Forest of Tiriwā.’ This pou stands as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to respect and protect the land.
The Visitor Centre offers a gateway to countless hiking trails, rich Māori heritage, and a diverse ecosystem teeming with native flora and fauna. Our workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of these landscapes and inspire action to ensure they remain pristine for future generations.
What is Leave No Trace?
The Leave No Trace framework is built on seven core principles that guide responsible outdoor behavior. During our workshop, we explored each principle in depth:
Plan Ahead and Prepare – Understanding the environment, weather, and necessary gear to minimise impact.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Protecting fragile ecosystems by sticking to established trails.
Dispose of Waste Properly – Packing out all rubbish and being mindful of biodegradable waste.
Leave What You Find – Preserving natural and cultural features for others to enjoy.
Minimise Campfire Impact – Using alternatives like gas cookers and respecting fire bans.
Respect Wildlife – Observing from a distance and not feeding animals.
Be Considerate of Others – Ensuring a shared outdoor experience by practicing kindness and awareness.
Through interactive discussions and real-world demonstrations, we reinforced how these principles align with Māori concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), deepening our collective respect for the land and its stories.
Learning in Action
Our workshop wasn’t just about theory—it was about action! Participants took part in an eco-walk, learning firsthand how to identify signs of environmental impact, such as erosion from off-trail walking or remnants of human activity left behind. We also carried out a micro-trash collection, highlighting how even the smallest bits of litter can harm native species.
Seeing the region’s natural beauty up close reinforced why Leave No Trace isn’t just a set of guidelines—it’s a mindset that fosters a deeper connection with the environment.
Why It Matters
With increasing visitor numbers to the Waitākere Ranges, the need for sustainable outdoor ethics has never been greater. The risks of human impact—such as kauri dieback disease, habitat destruction, and pollution—threaten the very landscapes we cherish. By equipping people with Leave No Trace principles, we empower them to be responsible adventurers, ensuring that these lands remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
Join Us in Protecting Aotearoa
The success of our Leave No Trace workshop is just one step in our broader mission to promote conservation through education and action. FriendsGO will continue to host events that inspire environmental stewardship, from tree-planting initiatives to ecological monitoring workshops.
Want to get involved? Whether it’s volunteering, attending a workshop, or simply making conscious choices in your outdoor adventures, every effort counts. Together, we can uphold the principles of Leave No Trace and safeguard Aotearoa New Zealand’s wild places.
As one participant beautifully summed it up: “Leave No Trace isn’t just about following rules—it’s about respecting the land and those who came before us. This workshop made me realise how small changes in behaviour can have a huge impact.”
Join us on this journey—FriendsGO far together!
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