New Zealand
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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.
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Animal care
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.
There are several projects going on, but in particular we need help collecting native seeds for plantings, and help with planting our reserves. 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 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. In the Weekend we often go to the beach house to chill out.
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). In the spring there is a bit of weed control work that we would appreciate a hand with, even if its just driving the LUV.
English
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 Spark cell phone coverage on the deck but Vodafone reception is a 10min walk away. There's internet here as well. Cooking will be shared but we will provide the food in exchange for 4 hour help a day (if staying local).
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.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
