Environmental Conservation in the North Island, New Zealand

Project Summary

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 North Island is one of 2 locations in New Zealand that volunteers can choose to work in, the second location being the South Island. Although the start location is Auckland, volunteers can choose to transfer directly to more rural locations around Hamilton, where the natural environment can be truly appreciated.

Why choose this project?

• Understand the impact of climate change and pollution and become a more responsible global citizen.
• Contribute to helping end habitat loss and the suffering of species as well as environmental degradation.
• Work as part of a volunteer team and discover the beauty of New Zealand North Island in a unique context.

Role of the volunteer

On this project, you will rotate every one to two weeks around different areas around the North Island. As a result, you will gain a well-rounded experience, giving you the opportunity to work on a variety of conservation activities and projects. Volunteers work in groups of 6 to 10 and are assigned projects upon arrival. Conservation work depends on seasonal conditions and conservation priorities at the time of your placement.

Examples of projects on the North Island include:

• Planting trees in locations like Tawharanui Regional Park as part of the ongoing restoration of this incredible landscape which has resulted in many endangered birds being able to be reintroduced including the rare bird and New Zealand icon, the flightless Kiwi.
• Improving habitat for rare birds and fish such as bittern, pateke and mudfish by planting and weeding around Lake Serpentine. This project focuses on restoring globally rare peat lakes in the Waikato area.
• Help boost native biodiversity and provide additional habitat for native birds by removing exotic weeds which threaten to swamp native plantings on the North Shore of Lucas Creek, Auckland
• Take part in track work to keep access to the interior open, exotic plant control, and, depending on the season, planting at the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. This project also involves habitat restoration for Dotterels, an endangered bird species, on shell banks at Duder Regional Park.

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.

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