While you're planning a team day out, community groups are already doing the hard mahi behind the scenes. They're sourcing seeds, growing seedlings, preparing sites, checking traps and removing pest plants.
When your team books in a volunteer day, these groups need even more time, materials and resources to make it work. For groups already stretched by limited funding, that extra load can be tough. A recent WWF report estimates Aotearoa New Zealand needs $22.5 billion each year to meet our global nature conservation targets. Every dollar counts.
That’s why we’re working to flip the script. What if volunteer days weren't just about free labour? What if they opened doors to genuine, long-term funding partnerships?
Through our Connect for Nature programme, we make sure these partnerships actually work. We tailor volunteer opportunities to your team, manage partnerships, ensure funds flow directly to groups and provide annual impact reports with measurable results and stories to share.
When businesses contribute financially, alongside rolling up their sleeves, they can make a greater impact. The community groups they’re partnering with get the stability they need to keep doing what they do best – regenerating nature.
Businesses like Alsco Uniforms are already on board and seeing the benefits. Alsco Uniforms contributes financially, involves its team in volunteering and builds strong partnerships with local groups across multiple regions.
“Volunteering has long been part of the culture at Alsco Uniforms. It boosts team morale, brings people closer together and staff are invited to bring their whānau along," says Monique Welsh, General Manager, New Zealand & Asia.
"As a Connect for Nature partner, SBN has linked us with projects across eight regions, from Auckland to Invercargill. Local groups generously share their knowledge, helping our people build meaningful connections with each other and the whenua. SBN also redistributes our funding to these community groups and, with their years of experience, it’s reassuring to know our support is in capable hands.”
Alsco Uniforms’ funds support nature regeneration with the Trelissick Park Group, one of SBN’s
newest Connect for Nature partners. They are a volunteer team dedicated to caring for Wellington’s Trelissick Park in Ngaio Gorge. Anne Tuffin from the Trelissick Park Group says Alsco Uniforms’ funding and hands-on volunteering through the Connect for Nature programme makes a real difference.
“I am so thankful to SBN for sending us the volunteers from Alsco Uniforms and for their exceptional liaison leading up to the event," says Anne.
"Alongside a great volunteer day, Alsco Uniforms also made a very generous donation which will go a long way toward supporting our ongoing efforts at Trelissick Park. We also had the chance to hear about the things Alsco Uniforms does to be a sustainable business. They’re passionate advocates. Wouldn’t it be great if more businesses were like Alsco Uniforms?”
Your business has more to offer than you think
As well as volunteering, your business may have skills or equipment that community groups are crying out for. At SBN’s 2025 Nature & Business Symposium, community groups told us they need help with HR, legal advice, and marketing as much as they need help with the spade work.
Alsco Uniforms Dunedin branch showed what that looks like in practice.
“As an ongoing token of our respect and supporting the team we have donated a serviced First Aid Cabinet and Eye wash station to the Whare Tuao/Volunteer house to complement the other services,” says Branch Manager Dean Muir.
You may also have equipment, tools or discounted goods that could make a real difference to a community group. Sometimes the most valuable contribution doesn't involve leaving your desk.
Partnerships are a two-way path. Community groups may have skills that you need. Hire these experts to train your team in nature regeneration, then put that knowledge to work at your site. You'll create lasting impact while learning from their expertise. Plus, they may collect data that could help you measure your business's impacts and dependencies on nature.
Keen to get started and support community groups in a way that counts? Learn more about the Connect for Nature programme or email [email protected]