Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Sep 2024
Reply rate
83.3 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
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Details
Description
We are a Forest Trust in Northland, New Zealand. Since we formed in 1999, we have planted 1.5 million native species to restore farmland back to flourishing kauri forest. Our work is to promote, protect and restore the vulnerable kauri forest ecosystem of the famous Waipoua Forest, which is home to the giant Tane Mahuta and endangered animals such as kiwi.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn about the magnificent kauri forest ecosystem and its native plants and animals. You will also learn about the unique challenges facing kauri and the forest ecosystem, and see some of the impacts of colonisation. You will gain knowledge in pest and weed control and conservation practices in the Forest. Trust staff and volunteers also do work as kaitiaki (guardians) of dotterels which are endangered beach-nesting birds. You will get to know the local area well if you stay for a couple of weeks or more, as the Trust works at and visits sites at several locations in and around the Forest and on the coast.
Our Trust is located in a culturally significant space in New Zealand with the ancient Waipoua Forest and giant kauri Tāne Mahuta just on our doorstep. We work with the local Iwi (Māori tribe) and other conservation groups to ensure our practices are sustainable, and there are opportunities to attend huis (meetings) locally.
There is a lot to learn if you are interested in ecology, botany, conservation, reforestation, local politics and governance, fundraising and more. This volunteering experience would make a great internship or work experience placement for someone interested in pursuing a career in one of these areas. For this we would recommend you stay for longer than a month.
Help
Volunteers are needed to plant trees during the winter months. This work is physically demanding but very rewarding. Please do not request a position if you are not able to work in all weather conditions and are not prepared to get really dirty!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You will be staying in the Trust headquarters which sits on the edge of the Waipoua Forest, a 45 minute drive North from Dargaville. There is no public transport to-from or in this area so YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN VEHICLE.
The area is very rural - there's mobile phone signal at the house and WiFi. Dargaville is the nearest place to get all your groceries and other supplies. We would recommend you arrive with enough food to keep you going until you next go into town.
Your accommodation is in the upper level of the house, above the Trust's workshed and garages. This space houses the office, bedrooms, bathroom and large open plan kitchen/dining room/living room which is used by staff for lunch and tea breaks. The house is a bit run down but light and spacious.
What else ...
The magnificent Waipoua Kauri Forest is on our doorstep, with Tāne Mahuta a 20 minute drive away and other forest walks closer. There are plenty of safe swimming spots nearby in rivers and waterholes, and of course the wild West Coast for surfing. The beautiful Kai Iwi lakes are a 25 minute drive away. The stunning Hokianga Harbour is under an hour's drive, with incredible views and the chance to take a boat over to surf the sand dunes.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 3 days a week
Feedback (4)
I spent ten days helping out in that QEII National trust.
When I arrived, Georgi welcomed me warmly and offered me the various tasks to be carried out in the following days.
It was really great volunteering where I learned a lot about reforestation and local nature.
It required me to go out of my comfort zone at… read more
Myself and my boyfriend Jack volunteered for the trust for 10 days or so in May 2019. Georgie is the co-oridnator of the reforestation project and is there in the days to help you with tasks and inform you of all the wonderful work the trust does! We had varied tasks, cutting down wilding pine and fixing up the… read more
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I spent ten days helping out in that QEII National trust.
When I arrived, Georgi welcomed me warmly and offered me the various tasks to be carried out in the following days.
It was really great volunteering where I learned a lot about reforestation and local nature.
It required me to go out of my comfort zone at… read more
Myself and my boyfriend Jack volunteered for the trust for 10 days or so in May 2019. Georgie is the co-oridnator of the reforestation project and is there in the days to help you with tasks and inform you of all the wonderful work the trust does! We had varied tasks, cutting down wilding pine and fixing up the… read more
I learnt a lot about forest conservation and why it is important to set traps throughout the forest.
I spend a few hours during the week making wooden ramps, walking the trap lines and setting up a new route.
The accommodation is an old farm house… read more
