Profile information
Host rating
80 %
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72.7 %
Usually responds within 20 days
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Details
Description
Hello from the Waipoua Forest. We are a private trust restoring several reserves here next to the Waipoua Forest and elsewhere in Northland.
Our work is varied and changes day by day. We could be planting one day, building the next, or undertaking pest control for the protection of native species. We also monitor native species like Kiwi and are part of a community project to restore kiwi onto our lands and boost kiwi numbers in the Waipoua Forest.
We are very much passionate and motivated conservationists and willing to share our knowledge, however please note that because we are undertaking large scale forest restoration projects we do have to undertake pest control and weed spraying.
We are a remote project with no public transport nearby, however we do pick up and drop off volunteers in Dargaville. This project would best suit couples with their own transport.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are passionate conservationists and are happy to share our knowledge. If you are interested in forest conservation and species management then we can teach you some interesting skills like navigation (Map & Compass), GPS use, GIS, bird handling techniques, native and exotic species monitoring methods etc. However it does depend on what's going on at the time.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
There are several projects going on, but in particular we need help with planting our reserves in the winter. This help needed would suit someone interested in restoration work, but anyone is welcome. The hours of work vary. If we are out on the reserve here in the Waipoua we may work 8am to 1pm and even longer and if we are working on the reserves in Whangarei then it could be a long day but interesting. There's normally short days to offset the long days as well. If you are flexible and keen then you will enjoy it.
We have quite a bit of tasks to do around the reserves here and if you are interested in landscaping and building work then this could be for you. There’s also building maintenance and restoration work to be done, i.e. cleaning, painting, fixing doors, etc. Some building experience would be a help but if you are just willing to help out that’s fine too.
Depending on the time of the year there could be some work monitoring and catching native birds or monitoring pest numbers or checking stoat traps (for kiwi protection).
NOTE: We undertake weed control year round which involves weed spraying, cutting and pasting wilding pines, and pulling other weed species. We also hunt goats and pigs year round and undertake possum and rat control, using poison baits and traps.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
There is a three bedroom house here with all the usual utilities like a shower, bathroom, washing machine, kitchen etc. There should only be two volunteers at a time so you will get your own room. There's also room to park a van or put up a tent. There's good cell phone coverage. There's internet here as well. Cooking will be shared but we will provide the food in exchange for 4 hour help a day on average.
What else ...
There's plenty to do around the Waipoua, such as; Bush walking (Tane Mahuta is nearby), swimming in the beautiful Waipoua River. You could also visit the beach and climb the Maunganui Bluff, or go fishing. Trounson Kauri Park is nearby and going for a night walk there is definitely worth it (you could get to see a kiwi).
At Baylys Beach there is surf, fishing and walking.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (8)
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James… read more
It was a lifetime experience because I learned something new every day in a comfortable house located in a dream location with a New Zealand way of life.
You can count on James to share his experience about forests & kiwis conservation.
He is curious and open minded so you can talk about everything… read more
To say it shortly, just do it :)
At first I just wanted to stay for a month, but than I felt so comfortable that I've stayed for 3. I loved the place at the Waipoua Forest and Baylys Beach so much, that it felt like a second home.
James is a very interesting and caring person and staying with… read more
One of the best things was going out to catch… read more
