Volunteer

Volunteering is a very rewarding experience!
 

"As a Rotokare volunteer, I was one that was asked to participate in this (hihi) translocation. A long-held desire to (stay) overnight on Tiri was realised – we even got an extra night as the ferry was canceled. I was able to see how the birds were caught; I carried some oh so carefully to the aviaries for processing, and was shown how they were kept and fed in these aviaries. A couple of night walks resulted in a close encounter with a little spotted kiwi and several tuatara. Seeing kokako, giant wetas, takahe, parakeets all added to the experience culminating in assisting in the release of one box of birds at the Lake. These experiences and the collegial, family atmosphere of the bunkhouse and kitchen will remain with me for a good while. It was good to mix with translocation experts and the postgrad students who were helping. 

I never thought when I started volunteering at Rotokare that such experiences could result. For those of you tempted to come and help out at Rotokare, it can open doors that you’d never expect."

- Audrey Thompson, Rotokare Volunteer

Rotokare Scenic Reserve thrives on the voluntary support of people like you and me.  Come and help maintain our beautiful reserve; as a nationally-significant project with a predator-free status, our story tells a rare achievement among our nationwide sanctuaries.

You can decide how much time you can contribute! You can help in the following ways:

• Join our Facebook page; have your friends join it too!

• Become a Friend of the Lake (FoL) and receive newsletters and invites to special events;

• Raise funds by hosting your own event;

• Contribute regular or varying number of hours on any day (particular or set) of the week or month

• No time for prolonged commitment? Come help with one-off tasks or projects

• Join the Rotokare Working Bee every Sunday at 9.00 am, followed by a complimentary hot lunch cooked by one of our dedicated volunteers!

We always have exciting one-off projects on the go along with regular tasks. Some of the ongoing jobs we need help with are fence inspections and maintenance, ecological monitoring, tunnel monitoring, building maintenance, track maintenance, native tree planting, construction works, weed control, and guided walks for eco-tourism and the education programme!

Please contact us if you require more information. Download our latest volunteer bulletin and the volunteer handbook below; we look forward to meeting you!