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Environmental Conservation in the South Island, New Zealand

Location New Zealand
Start Date Every Friday
Duration
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The Project

Volunteer in New Zealand and get involved in vital environmental conservation projects. This project focuses on preserving and restoring New Zealand’s unique, natural beauty. Volunteers will take part in varied activities which may include environmental monitoring; Heritage Restoration; tree planting; endangered species protection and disaster relief to name some. This project will be enjoyed by all who have a love for the outdoors, who are environmentally concerned and up for a challenge. The South Island is one of 2 locations in New Zealand that volunteers can choose to work at, the second location being the North Island. Although the start location is Christchurch, volunteers can choose to transfer direct to more rural locations around Punakaiki, where the natural environment can be truly appreciated.
Why the project needs you

The need for us to become responsible global citizens is getting bigger and bigger. All over the world the impact of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution are being felt. Although New Zealand is a developed country, its varied landscapes, from subtropical forest to volcanic plateaus; vast plains to glaciers and sandy beaches to rugged mountains, can prove difficult to manage with climatic instability and human impacts. The country’s fragile environment is unfortunately suffering from species and habitat loss and environmental degradation. One factor affecting this is the amount of deforestation which has taken place and the effect this is having on climate change. Being located on top of the ring of fire of the Pacific, New Zealand is also prone to experience natural disasters. From earthquakes, such as the one in Christchurch in June 2011, to volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and cyclones, the aftermath of such events can be devastating for people and the environment. People in New Zealand highly value their natural environment and although there are professionals in the field, volunteers play a huge role in responding to environmental challenges by bringing enthusiasm and energy to the toughest of projects and disaster relief efforts.

Project Location

The South Island is less populated than the North Island, and well known for its beautiful coastline and fantastic national parks. Most volunteer projects take place in the top half of the Island, with occasional excursions further south. Save time for some personal travel after volunteering to visit the southern fjords, lakes and ski fields!
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 – 24 weeks (4 weeks minimum is recommended)
• Cost: £775 ($1356) for 2 weeks and £215 ($376) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: South Island various locations, New Zealand
• Project activities: Varies on location and time of year-Tree planting; Walking trail construction; Wildlife surveys; Seed collection; Weed control; Conservation fencing; Heritage restoration and disaster relief.
• Working hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
• Project availability: Projects start every Friday and run all year round
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared rooms in caravans, hostels, bunk houses, shearer’s quarters or camping (tents are provided).
• Food: 3 meals a day and weekends. Volunteers help in the preparation of food.
• Training: Orientation upon arrival and training
• Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator and project leaders.
• Wildlife guidebook and map of location.
• Certificate of Appreciation, optional Conservation Volunteer Certificate available (at additional cost) if volunteers have done 40 hours volunteering or more.
• Volunteer ID Card with special offers and discounts
• All Project-related travel
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Airport pick up, drop off or travel to starting points. Airport pick up and transfer package can be arranged at an extra fee.

Role of the volunteer

On this project, you will rotate every one to two weeks around different areas around eth North Island. This results in you gaining a well-rounded experience, giving you the opportunity to work on a variety of conservation activities and projects. Volunteers work in groups of 6-10 and are assigned which projects they will be doing upon arrival. The reason for this being that the conservation work depends on seasonal conditions and conservation priorities at the time of the volunteer’s arrival.
Examples of projects on the South Island include:
• Habitat restoration of coastal land adjacent to Paparoa National Park - including tree planting, seed
collection and weed removal. Punakaiki is home to the world-famous Pancake Rocks, and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this unique coastal landscape.
• Projects in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps in the Castle Hill basin to remove introduced wild pines and restore the natural balance. Set in a unique and rugged mountainous location surrounded by limestone rock formations, providing a great opportunity to explore this alpine region.
• Catchment Care projects in Canterbury, helping with river and stream restoration by planting native trees and tending previous plantings

After volunteering on the North island volunteers can choose to extend their time and go to a different starting point on the North Island, where projects are located in Auckland and Hmailton.
Skills Required

There are no specific skills required to participate in these projects but you must have a love for the outdoors. Volunteers should be prepared to live and work as a member of a team and a positive attitude is essential. We also advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness in order to take part in all activities.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

In most cases volunteers are placed in local home-stays where they either have their own room or share with another volunteer. Usually two meals a day are provided by the home-stay family, all included in the placement fees. This way a portion of your volunteer fee goes back into the local economy, and you gain first-hand experience of true local family life.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.