Volunteering is the hands-on way to support the sanctuary and there are plenty of ways in which you can do this.
We have a regular volunteer day most Tuesdays (see below) and a monthly volunteer morning followed by a free BBQ. In addition there are occasional events such as planting days, details of which will be posted on our news page and facebook. Finally there are a number of tasks which can be done in your own time, such as checking trap lines (see below). If you would like to volunteer, please contact us.
Fence inspection
Weekly inspections of the pest-proof fence are done by two-person teams who walk both sides of the fence concurrently. The inspections include checking the gates, the base, the mesh and the hood of the fence, the culverts which the fence traverses as well as adjacent vegetation. Small repairs can be made during the inspection process
Full training will be given to each two-person team and no special skills are required other than a moderate level of fitness.Teams are rostered on every two months or so.
For more information please contact Alison Wesley on Alison@onewesley.co.nz .
Trappers needed
We are looking for more people to help monitor trap lines around the park. This is a critical job that needs to be done on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Trappers need to be fit and there are several trap lines to choose from. Please note this is not a job for the squeamish!
If you are interested in helping. Please have a word with one of the rangers during your next visit to the park or contact us for more information!
Tuesday volunteers
Volunteers have been helping the park rangers with a great variety of tasks for over 10 years now. Some come every week while others come whenever their schedule permits. We also have younger children who join us during school breaks and corporate groups who join us once a year.
There is a lot going on in the park so there’s always something for everyone to do! It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and many friendships have been formed over the years. No skills/experience necessary.
Here are some examples of the things the volunteers do:
- Building and repairing fences and gates
- Building traps for pest eradication programme
- Maintaining tracks and picnic sites
- Carrying out wildlife surveys
- Nursery work: collecting and planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, repotting plants
If you would like to join a great group of people working together towards a common goal, just pop along to the ranger’s office in Te Haruhi Bay any Tuesday from 8:30am.
