Over 350 locals stepped up for biosecurity this Easter as the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Hunt returned for another year of fun, learning, and community action.
The Hunt brought families, schools, and community members together across five locations – Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Katikati, and Waihi Beach – with the shared goal of protecting our local environment from invasive pests.
Using the Actionbound app, participants scanned QR codes, completed educational challenges, and explored local hotspots through a biosecurity lens. With more than $3,400 worth of prizes on offer, it was a high-energy mix of outdoor adventure and environmental education.
“It was fantastic to see so many people getting involved,” says TMBC’s Programme and Events Manager, Natalie Rutene. “The Hunt makes biosecurity accessible and enjoyable and reminds us all that protecting our environment starts in our own backyards.”
A Regional Effort with Real Impact
Despite a few wet days during the Easter school holidays, participation remained strong, with 181 digital Hunts completed.
Mount Maunganui had the longest average playtime at 1 hour and 27 minutes
Waihi Beach and Te Puke showed strong levels of engagement
For many tamariki, it was the highlight of their holidays
“We really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. Our youngest daughter was the leader, and it was the highlight of her holiday!”
Big Reach, Big Results!
The impact wasn’t just on the ground – our digital campaign saw:
75,000+ people reached
213,000+ impressions across social media
Nearly 5,000 visits to the event webpage
3,992 link clicks to Hunt challenges
A huge thank you to the team at Design Juice, whose creative energy and digital expertise help bring the Hunt to life every year.
Inspiring Everyday Action
The Biosecurity Hunt is part of TMBC’s broader mission to champion everyday biosecurity actions across Tauranga Moana – from checking your gear and cleaning your boat, to reporting unwanted pests. Simple steps really do make a difference in protecting our region’s biodiversity, economy, and way of life.