A Pop-up Climate Solutions Hub
On Lower Cuba Street, Wellington, discover local climate action, meet the groups making change happen, and find your way to get involved.
Stories Cafe · Lower Cuba Street · Poneke Wellington
The Hub covers a wide range of climate action topics. Filter by topic, view on the map, or browse the list below. See the full calendar and event details on the Events page.
350 Pōneke is the Wellington arm of 350 Aotearoa, part of the international climate movement 350.org, an activist group focused on anti-fossil fuel campaigns and climate justice. There is an active Pōneke group who meet weekly – details on how to join can be found on their website, in addition to online trainings.
A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand seek to inspire, educate, and enable communities to care for our unique environment through a network of local conservation group projects and volunteer opportunities. They are also involved in resourcing, empowering and building relationships among all those wanting to integrate creation care and sustainability into the life of the church in Aotearoa through their Eco Church NZ project. The Wellington local group started in 2012. It is structured as three subgroups – the Kāpiti subgroup, the Waiu Wetland subgroup in Wainuiomata, and the Wellington City subgroup supporting the work of Friends of Owhiro Stream. The subgroups organise joint educational events and working bees at key sites such as Battle Hill Farm Forest Park and Kopua Monastery – subscribe, volunteer or find other ways to get involved on their website.
ActionStation is a progressive multi-issue online campaign organisation that is a part of OPEN (Online Progressive Engagement Network). They work on a number of issues that fall generally into the themes of honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Climate Justice, Whanau Wellbeing. There are links on their website if you want to get involved. in***@ac***.org.nz
AoCAN is the NZ node of Climate Action Network – a global network active across more than 130 countries driving collective action on the climate crisis, and to achieve social and racial justice. They connect organisations who share their vision of a safe, just climate future and provide a space for collaboration, communication and cooperation within the NZ climate movement.
A vibrant community garden in the heart of Aro Valley, growing kai and building community connections.
Advocating for better cycling infrastructure and a more bike-friendly city for all Wellingtonians.
Bikespace 's goal is to demystify the bicycle - to give everyone a better understanding of how a bike works plus the skills to fix and maintain their bike. Visit them in their shipping container located on Cable Street, for diagnosing issues, repairs and building bike confidence - for free. Recently, they expanded their service to include a Mobile Bikespace, which can be booked free of charge for businesses, community groups and events. Contact: Bi***@wc***.govt.nz
Community Garden - Hosts working bees from 5.30pm on Mondays during the summer months. See their Facebook page for regular updates.
Visit websiteA community space exclusively for women and gender diverse folks where we empower ourselves through building, fixing & making.
Supporting community-led sustainability initiatives and climate adaptation projects across Wellington.
Climate Clinic is a Victoria University of Wellington club which harnesses the determination of students seeking to address the challenges posed by climate change and to fight against its causes. In the past they have submitted on the Zero Carbon Bill, organised petitions and signing parties, argued against the proposed runway extensions in legal negotiation, participated in climate marches, hosted movie nights, bake sales, and panels with academics and industry professionals. Their projects are broad in scope and numerous by necessity. For more information see: Climate Club or email mailto:vu***@gm***.com
Join the Wellington branch of Conservation Volunteers New Zealand. CVNZ brings volunteers together to plant and care for native trees, control pests and weeds, and protect threatened species. They have one-off or regular volunteer oppportunities . Check out their website: Volunteer - Conservation Volunteers New Zealand or Phone: *** *** 1370
"Give what you can, take what you need" - members of the community share surplus goods from the kitchen or garden. The Newtown Crop Swap meets every month on a Saturday morning - at the Kaicycle urban garden on Hospital Road, or the Newtown Cultural and Community Centre or the Newtown Hall on a rainy day. Check their Facebook for upcoming events, or e-mail cr***@gm***.com with questions. If between swaps you have surplus produce, or need produce, check out the Community Fridge at the Newtown Cultural and Community Centre Monday - Friday 9-4:30.
Cycle Wellington is for people of all ages and abilities who ride bikes for transport and fun. They advocate for better biking in Wellington, hold events, share bike related news, influence city planning and facilitate riding. Sign up to commit to getting around by bike, and support policy pressure, design and delivery of infrastructure and promote the benefits of biking. Contact: in***@cy***.org.nz
Cycling Action Network (CAN) is NZ's national network of cycling advocates. They work with Government, local authorities, businesses and the community on behalf of cyclists, for a better cycling environment. There are opportunities to volunteer, to participate in workshops and have a say on their website. Contact: pa***@ca***.org.nz
Earthworms Club is for Massey University students who are earth lovers, earth eaters, earth wanderers, and earth worms. Their aim is to make sustainability more accessible at Massey and provide opportunities for students to connect with nature.
For more information, see Earthworms Club or contact earthworms.compost@gmail.com
Ekerua ReBicycle reduces barriers to cycling by fixing donated bikes, re-homing them in the community and providing bike maintenance fix-up events. There are varied volunteering opportunities, from fixing bicycles to community liaising. Or, if you need some bike maintenance, they run a 'Shift Happens' safe-space workshop every Tuesday 6-8pm, a 'Fix-up and bike shop' night every Wednesday 6-8pm, and 'Mechanics only' volunteering night every Thursday 6-8pm. Contact: ki***@re***.nz
Enviroschools is a nationwide programme of early childhood centres and schools committed to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities. There are 143 enviroschools in the Wellington region, making up 16% of early childhood, 44% of primary and 13% of secondary schools in the region – see their website to view and/or to inquire about your school getting involved.
Everybody Eats is an innovative, charitable restaurant, transforming rescued food into quality 3-course meals, for everyone to enjoy on a pay-what-you-can basis. Be part of reducing food waste, food insecurity and social isolation in Aotearoa New Zealand by joining them for a night to remember.
Forest and Bird are a national NGO defending New Zealand's wildlife and wild places. Currently running a 'Get on with it' campaign targeting delays on climate action, with several calls to action on their website. Additionally, you can become a member, join a conservation project or join the Kiwi Conservation Club. Explore their website for more. we***@fo***.org.nz
Fridays for Future is an international youth-led and organised global strike movement started by Greta Thunberg. The Fridays for Future Te Upoko o Te Ika group protest at Parliament Lawn and Midland Park on alternate Fridays between 12:30–1:30.
Friends of Owhiro Stream work with community to protect and restore Ōwhiro Stream by enhancing habitats, improving water quality, and encourgaing community care of the stream. If you want to help, send an e-mail to ow***@gm***.com to see how you can get involved.
Garden to Table's kaupapa is to empower tamariki to grow, harvest, prepare, and share great food by enabling schools to deliver, embed and sustain impactful food education. Through their curriculum-linked food education programme, they take learning out of the classroom and empower kiwi kids to grow and cook their own fresh, seasonal and environmentally-sustainable kai. To get involved at your local Garden to Table school, submit a volunteer form on their website.
Generation Zero is a national youth advocacy group that focus on lobbying government and advocating for climate-focused policy decisions. Links on their website to become a supporter, become a member or become a volunteer. Contact: we***@ge***.org.nz
Ghost Diving New Zealand (GDNZ) is a group specialising in the recovery and proper disposal of "Ghost Gear” - fishing gear that is lost and, unless removed, continues to kill and harm marine animals. They have an active role in the removal of marine rubbish from all around the Wellington region, including holding regular beach clean up events - contact them to get involved, become a member or report ghost fishing gear. Contact: ro***@gh***.org
Community Garden - the group volunteers ad-hoc and communicates via Whatsapp - contact them via e-mail to express your interest: co***@ho***.org.nz
Innermost Gardens To fulfill their mission of "Growing community through hands in the soil," Innermost Gardens run working bees run on Tuesdays 10am-12pm during term time, and on first and third Sundays of every month from 10am-12pm. Email them to express interest or ask any questions.
Visit websiteThe Community Orchard is your space to enjoy - Working bee is held the second and fourth Saturday of each month, or anyone is welcome to enjoy the space reading a book, walking your dog, hugging a tree, picnicking or feeling at peace. E-mail co***@gm***.com for more information.
Connecting the community with the marine environment through education, restoration, and citizen science.
Kai Hapori Whānui ki Community Garden looking for new volunteers before they start setting up working bees… e-mail them if you're interested at he***@vs***.org.nz .
Kai Ora Collective harnesses our collective buying power to reduce the cost of fresh kai. The Collective supports local growers, and it brings fresh, seasonal produce to tables throughout the Wellington region (including the Wairarapa). As a Kai Ora Collective member, you can order weekly $15 fruit and vege packs – as many and as often as you like. You can also put together your own selection of produce through our online ordering platform at https://coshop.nz. Online orders are currently available at 8 pick-up locations.
Visit websiteKaibosh has a vision of zero food poverty, zero food waste. Their mission is to be the link between the food industry and those that support people in need, ensuring that quality surplus food reaches those who are struggling rather than being needlessly discarded to benefit the community and environment. Their dedicated team of volunteers rescue and sort food seven days a week, redistributing up to 75,000kg of quality good each month. Donate, volunteer or apply to recieve food from their website. E-mail fo***@ka***.org.nz for more information.
Kaicycle are on a mission to see communities composting organic waste and growing nutrient dense food. They offer a bicycle powered organic waste collection service that operates in Wellington City and surrounding suburbs, and are beginning to offer compost drop off services. Kaicycle also has a regenerative and organic urban farm on Hospital Road where they are developing food production techniques and models and sharing the food with the community. They offer three weekly volunteering sessions: Tuesdays: Farmer Life session, 10-12pm. Thursdays: After work wind down, 4pm - 6pm, Fridays: Farmer Life session, 10-12pm. Saturday once a month: Community Working Bees, 9am-12:30pm. he***@ka***.org.nz
Karori Repair Café held in the Karori Community Centre on the second Sunday of every month - check their Facebook page for recent updates and events. Contact: ka***@gm***.com Website: Facebook Karori Repair Café
Kelburn Community Garden runs monthly working bees during the summer months, check their website to find out when the next one is.
Visit websiteKCA helps Wellington communities by rescuing surplus food and household goods and redistributing them to frontline agencies working with people in need. You can help by donating goods, funds or time to their project. E-mail them to express your interest. Contact: tr***@kc***.org.nz Website: Drop Off Points | Kiwi Community Assistance
Kumutoto Community Orchard has its entrance next to 214 The Terrace and is an open grassy area with the Kumutoto native forest behind it and the Kumutoto stream bubbling through it. E-mail Milan at mi***@gm***.com to express interest in volunteering as they work on the garden.
Little Yellow Bird provide a 'take back bag' where you can buy a bag to fill with natural-fibre textiles, which is then recycled by LYB to make new clothing for local businesses and buyers. If you have some spare time and want to learn about textile recycling initiatives, send an e-mail to join one of their volunteer sessions! Contact: in***@li***.co.nz Website: 100% organic cotton essentials
Living Streets Aotearoa promotes walking-friendly communities and encourages people to travel by foot. They host walking events, provide plenty of information and resources on encouraging walking in your local area; Membership costs as little as $5 and includes monthly updates, ways to get involved and a discount on the biennial Walking Summit. we***@li***.org.nz
Love Food Hate Waste is a campaign to reduce the amount of food going to waste (and the vast financial and environmental costs associated with it). They have extensive information about the causes of food waste, tips to reduce your waste, storage solutions etc. on their website, and a newsletter. For more information contact info@lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz
Community Garden - Volunteer working bees on Wednesdays 9-10am or Thursdays 4-6pm during the summer months. Join their Facebook group for regular updates.
Visit websiteCommunity Garden - Volunteers are welcome, e-mail Grant: gr***@mm***.org.nz or call *** *** 1944 to register your interest and see what projects they have coming up.
Miramar Prison Garden - The Miramar Prison Garden contains a mixture of private vegetable plots, communal growing areas, fruit trees, beehives, a ritual/event space, and a community compost drop-off area. The garden is open to the public during daylight hours and visitors are always welcome. Volunteers are onsite most Sundays from 10am- 4pm (ish) and are happy to give tours and answer questions. Contact: mi***@gm***.com or on their Facebook Page
Mountains to Sea Wellington deliver freshwater and marine education programmes and lead restoration projects. Visit their website to sign up as a participant or as a volunteer – they have on-land opportunities to help with school programmes and events, or water-based positions as snorkelling guides and freshwater stream monitoring.
Part of Aotearoa Community Resilience Network (ACoRN), the Newlands Resilience Group is committed to improving community wellbeing by making connections that facilitate resilience. Disaster resilience, community ties and participation are ways they are working towards this goal. Contact them for more information or ways to connect with your community.
Visit websiteYou are welcome to join the gardeners on a Tuesday morning at 10.30 am -unless it's raining! E-mail ne***@gm***.com for more information.
Newtown Community & Cultural Centre hosts this vounteer-led lending library for tools of all sorts at Newtown Tool Library . Growing collection of second hand and new tools are available to save money and the planet, build community and share skills and resources. Opening hours are Wednesday 5-7pm and Saturday 11am-1pm. Contact: ne***@gm***.com
Ngaio and Crofton Downs Residents Association taking community action to respond to the climate crisis. Working to mobilise the climate action taking place in our communities, and be a catalyst for others to join in. Contact: ng***@gm***.com Facebook: Ngaio Crofton Downs Residents Association | Facebook
Northern Community Gardens is a community Garden in Paparangi. They have working bees Sundays 2 - 4pm during the summer months, bring garden gloves and a water bottle. Check their website for more information. Contact them to get involved: in***@nc***.org.nz
Community-led backyard trapping network protecting native birds in the Onslow/Khandallah area.
Home to garden plots, a community orchard, a tool shed, a worm farm, hen house, a shade house and planned areas for wetland and medicinal native plants. Open to the public for families to visit, play, feed the ducks, chooks and the eels in Owhiro Stream, and watch for frogs in the pond. Plot requests are suspended at this stage, but check the Facebook group for updates or e-mail mailto:ow***@gm***.com .
A 350 Aotearoa-based group, the Pacific Climate Warriors are a youth-led grassroots network working with organisers across 18 Pacific Island nations and diaspora communities to highlight disproportionate climate vulnerabilities. E-mail or contact them on Facebook to find out more and learn how to join.
Through empowering parents to use their collective voice, Parents for Climate aims to push for systemic change and a just transition. They provide education and "Let's Talk Climate" Workshops to normalise talking about climate change, the barriers, the solutions and everything in between. They have volunteering, partnership and donation opportunities accessible through their website.
Predator Free Wellington is a charitable organisation with a vision to make Wellington the world's first predator free capital city. Phase 1 on the Miramar peninsula is complete, and they are looking for volunteer community rangers as Phase 2 (Island Bay to CBD) gets underway. Sign up on their website! Contact: he***@pf***.org.nz
Kaicycle are working with Te Toi Mahana residents and the wider community to set up this outdoor learning space and community garden following Hua Parakore Māori growing principles. Every Wednesday from 2.30-5.30 the garden is open for volunteers to join, with kai often provided. Bring gloves and a water bottle. Contact pu***@ka***.org.nz with any questions!
RE:MOBILE is New Zealand's only accredited mobile phone recycling program, accredited by the Ministry for the Environment. They are a not-for-profit managed by the NZ Telecommunications Forum. Their aim is to reduce the environmental impact of unwanted mobile phones in NZ and enable collective industry-wide solutions. They will recycle your mobile phone regardless of whether it is in perfect working order or doesn't turn on. For every phone recycled with RE:MOBILE, money is donated to Sustainable Coastlines. For more information contact remobile@tcf.org.nz or access phone drop off locations.
Organised and run by Ngaio Union Church, volunteer repairers at Ngaio Repair Cafe will try to fix your household gear while you enjoy a hot drink. Third Saturday of the month, March to November, 10am - 1pm. Contact: re***@gm***.com Facebook: Ngaio Repair Café | Repair Café Aotearoa
Free community events where volunteer repair experts help fix broken items, keeping things out of landfill.
School students aged 8–18 are united by their concern about the impact of climate change on their futures. They strike from school to demonstrate the vulnerability of young people to politicians.
Seeds to Feeds connects communities using the power of local food experiences - through collective, supported action, communities build resilience through learning about, preparing and sharing kai. 'Seeds to Feeds aims to provide a safe environment where people can develop new skills, build their confidence, and gain a sense of achievement with their community, creating strong bonds and a greater sense of whanau and belonging.' See their website or e-mail he***@se***.nz for more information or to HOST your own event or GROW or COOK in your community.
The Southern Environmental Association has been working on the ecological restoration of the Tawatawa Reserve for over 30 years. Volunteers are always welcome. We eco-source native seeds and grow them in our nursery for planting (2000+ plants per year) in the reserve. We also have active predator and weed control groups. Individuals and groups, children and dogs welcome.
Sustainability Trust Wellington is a social enterprise delivering innovative social and environmental programmes supporting energy efficient homes, zero waste and community. Includes a not-for-profit electricity company. Get involved in a repairED event, or volunteer your skills. cu***@su***.org.nz
Switched On Bikes offers e-bike and mountain bike rentals to enjoy in the Wellington region. They offer long-term rentals for Wellingtonians who wants to trial cycle commuting, offer subsidies and discounts for LeisureCard holders, and run a bike servicing workshop at their waterfront location.
Visit websiteContact Christine via e-mail at wi***@gm***.com to register your interest in volunteering, organising a plot, or getting involved in some landscaping and bigger jobs.
Community Garden - Check their Facebook page for volunteering updates.
Visit websiteCommunity Garden - First, third and fifth Sundays of the month 1.30pm – 3pm. Second and fourth Saturdays of the month 1.30pm – 3pm. Bring garden gloves and a jacket. Check their Facebook page for more information or email them: ta***@gm***.com
Te Aro Zero Waste is part of the Sustainability Trust. It is a centrally-located community recycling and resource recovery centre supporting local resilience and regeneration. Offers recycling, reuse programmes, second hand items for sale, workshops, RepairED and tool/sewing machine loans. Contact: in***@te***.org.nz
Community Garde n - Local residents cleared an area covered in blackberry and planted fruit trees, a vegetable garden, natives and installed walking tracks and seating. The garden hosts working bees, community gatherings and art exhibitions - e-mail them to help out: te***@ho***.org.nz
Working bee Wednesdays 5-6.30pm, bring tools and garden gloves if you can. E-mail Michael at mi***@bg***.org.nz or call 0225 074 429 for more information.
Te Motu Kairangi 's aim is to restore ecological health to Te Motu Kairangi, the Miramar Peninsula and connect locals with native nature. Email them or find them on Facebook to join a communications list where they will reach out about volunteering opportunities or how you can help in your own Miramar garden. Contact: in***@te***.co.nz
Restoring the indigenous connections between plants, birds, lizards, soil and people of Te Raekaihau over the next 800 years.
A community bike workshop where you can learn to repair and maintain your bicycle, plus buy secondhand bikes and parts.
The Free Store freely distributes fresh surplus food from Wellington eateries directly to those in need. Everyone welcome: Open Mon - Fri 5:15pm - Tea, coffee, and snacks; Mon - Fri 5:45pm - Store opens for food. CLOSED on Weekends and all public holidays. Contact: st***@th***.org.nz
The Mechanical Tempest is a Community Bicycle Workshop, open 6pm-8pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - other opening hours can be found on their website. Contact: th***@gm***.com Website: https://tempest.nz/
The Rubbish Trip are all about helping humans to walk the talk on zero waste. They offer presentations, workshops and resources to help individuals and businesses reduce their rubbish, and grassroots zero-waste advocacy. All of their mahi is grounded in their own personal lived experience of walking the talk - they started living without a rubbish bin at the beginning of 2015 and want to show people how easy, fun and fulfilling waste reduction can be. Book Hannah and Liam for a workshop, or join one of their community events! ha***@th***.co.nz li***@th***.co.nz
UsedFULLY are a low carbon clothing system where textiles are utilised to their full potential through technology and cutting-edge research. Working together with industry partners, they are driving the reuse of unwanted clothing and textiles, preventing them from going to landfill and instead creating transparent, circular, onshore solutions. As a textile organisation you can become a member and commit to sustainability, or as an individaul you can watch Tex-ED webinars on their website or attend an event. E-mail co***@us***.com with any questions.
Boulcott St Repair Café held at Wellington Central Baptist Church - check their Facebook page for recent updates and events. Contact: bo***@gm***.com Online: Facebook
Community-managed orchards providing free fruit and educational opportunities about local food growing.
Community Garden - In partnership with Kaicycle and Edible Earth, a full-time garden manager is onsite regularly to welcome volunteers and visitors. Contact: we***@we***.co.nz
Wellington Region Fruit and Vege Co-op provides local, fresh, seasonal produce every week at a low price across the Wellington region, multiple pick-up locations. Use their website to find your local co-op and start buying locally sourced veg. Website: Wellington Region Fruit and Vege Co-op
Visit websiteA community time-trading network where members exchange skills and services using time as currency.
ZEALANDIA is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s ecosystems to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Volunteer in a wide range of activities such as track maintenance, biosecurity, hands-on monitoring, feeding and visitor experience - just e-mail them to sign up. Contact: vo***@vi***.com
A world-leading urban ecosanctuary restoring native forest and wildlife in the heart of Wellington.
Visit websiteStories Cafe (Zeal)
Lower Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Hub host present alongside Zeal barista training. Info stand, materials, and local food available through the cafe.
Extended programming including salon sessions, co-op pickups, workshops, group showcases, and skill-shares.
18 April – 9 May 2025. Exact session times updated weekly.
In collaboration with Zeal, the Climate Solutions Hub turns the cafe space on Lower Cuba Street into a welcoming, drop-in space during the Wellington Climate Festival. It's a physical “directory” of who's doing what — posters, flyers, sign-up sheets, conversations, and food. Meet the groups, taste local kai, learn a new skill, or just sit down and talk to someone who cares about the same things you do.
See what's on in the Events calendar. Explore practical steps in What to do.
Create a free account to save events and get reminders, register for activities, track your impact, or add and manage a group.
ParticipateWe showcase what is already working and invite you to participate. Positive, practical, and forward-looking.
Run by and for the Wellington community. Groups, projects, and people sharing what they know.
No expertise needed. Just drop in, explore, and find something that speaks to you.
Everyone is welcome. The Hub centres food, nature, and community as common ground.