Volunteer

Volunteers have been an essential part of Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary for more than 15 years. From helping protect native wildlife and restore habitats to supporting visitors and special projects, volunteers contribute to many aspects of the sanctuary’s work. We welcome interest from individuals, families, schools, community groups and businesses, and opportunities arise throughout the year to support a range of conservation activities. No previous experience is necessary.

Volunteers have helped with:

  • Pest control, including traplines, tracking tunnels, and fence checks.
  • Wildlife monitoring, including kiwi, dotterel, robin and reptile surveys.
  • Supporting species recovery programmes, such as hihi feeding and nest box projects.
  • Nursery work, including seed collection, propagation and plant care.
  • Habitat restoration, including planting and weed control.
  • Maintaining tracks, picnic areas, fences and gates.
  • Farm work, including caring for foster lambs.
  • Camp hosting and visitor support.
  • Beach clean-ups and other conservation projects.

Specific volunteer opportunities, special projects and community events are often advertised on our Facebook page, so be sure to follow us there for the latest updates.

If you are interested in supporting the sanctuary, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an individual, family, school, community group or business, please contact SOSSI to find out about current opportunities and how you can get involved.

A person wearing a hat and casual clothing operates a miter saw in a workshop. The room has wooden walls, shelves with tools and materials, and a large workbench. Various items and projects are visible in the well-lit space.
A person wearing a hat and red jacket observes another person behind a wire mesh, who is taking notes. They are outdoors near a beach area, with trees and informational signs nearby.
A person wearing a green shirt crouches in a lush, green area, holding a tracking card. They are surrounded by bushes.
A group of people is gathered in a wooded area, observing a woman explaining a birdhouse-like structure. Some are seated, while others stand, listening attentively. The scene has a relaxed, educational atmosphere.
Four elderly women are working together at a planting table in a nursery. They are potting small green plants, surrounded by soil and gardening tools. Everyone is focused and appears to be enjoying the activity.