Friends & Kaitiaki of Blockhouse Bay: Malcolm’s Story
Malcolm is the founder and head volunteer of Friends & Kaitiaki of Blockhouse Bay. He is deeply knowledgeable about New Zealand’s native forests, with everything he knows being self-taught. Malcolm can name almost every native plant and identify invasive weeds, and he understands what helps our forests thrive, and what puts them at risk.
His journey into volunteering began with a simple love for nature. Malcolm used to run regularly through Gittos Domain in Blockhouse Bay. One day, he noticed invasive weeds spreading across the path. He decided to stop and start clearing them. Soon after, another passerby joined in. That small, shared moment sparked an idea, tto bring people together to care for the local environment.
With support from an Auckland Council parks ranger and interest from local residents, Malcolm started the Friends & Kaitiaki group. What began as a small effort quickly grew into a committed community of volunteers.
One of Malcolm’s most memorable moments was involving students from Blockhouse Bay School.
Watching children enthusiastically work together—four of them pulling out a single weed—left a lasting impression.
Their young energy and excitement stood out, and it reminded Malcolm of the importance of engaging the next generation.
Leading the group has not been without challenges. Malcolm puts a strong focus on safety, making sure volunteers have the right tools, gloves, and guidance. He carefully considers people’s abilities and ensures everyone feels safe and supported. Matching the right tasks to the right people is an ongoing responsibility.
Malcolm is grateful for every volunteer who shows up. He has seen how perspectives can change—some people initially favour plants like pine or wattle, but after spending time in the bush, they begin to understand how invasive species impact native ecosystems.
As the leader, Malcolm manages everything from organising working bees to building relationships, handling social media, and working with Auckland Council. About half his time is spent on administration and communication, and the other half in the bush doing hands-on work.
To focus more on this passion, Malcolm reduced his hours in his social work career. After an injury ended his marathon running, volunteering became a new way to stay active and connected to what he loves.
Today, Malcolm sees real results. Native trees are regenerating, and the forest is recovering after sustained weeding efforts. The group has grown significantly, with strong support from the local community.
Looking ahead, Malcolm hopes the work will continue long into the future. As he approaches retirement, he finds purpose and excitement in knowing that others will carry on this guardianship of the land.
His advice to anyone thinking about volunteering is simple: start small, come along, and don’t put pressure on yourself. Just being there is the first step.
Written by Sinisa Antunovich
Edited by Cheryll Martin QSO
