Volunteer
We have a large team of volunteers who help out with everything from field work to guiding. From regular working bees to part-time positions, there are several volunteering opportunities for members of the Supporters. All volunteers are required to be members of Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc.
Guiding
One of our most popular volunteer opportunities is leading guided walks for visitors. Guides must undertake an induction programme and complete at least six buddy (observational) training sessions before being assessed as competent to be a fully fledged guide. Although this position is well suited to someone with experience in the conservation field, passionate volunteers with a basic foundation knowledge of New Zealand native flora and fauna and a reasonable level of fitness are most welcome to apply. Full training and ongoing support are provided. You must be willing and able to commit to guiding at least once a month after you have qualified. Please download and complete the Expression of Interest form by clicking on ‘register your interest’.
Shop Assistants
We are always keen to have additional help in our lovely gift shop. Volunteers work from 10.30am – 3pm and undertake a variety of tasks from stock-taking to customer service.
General Volunteer Opportunities
Keeping an island like Tiritiri in good shape requires a lot of work and, from time to time, we need additional help. Some of the types of tasks we may need help with are:
- pruning vegetation on tracks to DOC standards
- brush cutting and mowing
- track maintenance and repair work
- weed spraying
- weed surveying and monitoring
- construction and carpentry (e.g. making nesting boxes or small structures to plan)
- spring cleaning the bunkhouse
The degree of knowledge and fitness required is variable. You may be working alone or as part of a team, and the tasks may be one-off, project orientated or ongoing such as pruning and weed monitoring. Where applicable, DOC can provide training, e.g. in pruning and safe spraying techniques.
If you have other skills, experience or talents you would like to offer on a voluntary basis please send your name, address and contact details to our secretary:
Supporters' Working Weekends
Working Weekends are a wonderful way to help out, get to know the island better and be part of what is happening on Tiritiri Matangi.
Hosted by some of our most experienced guides, there are a number of activities held throughout the weekend, including a night walk and a dawn chorus outing.
Many of the working weekenders are regulars, who love the sense of contributing to the island and enjoy the camaraderie in the bunkhouse at the end of the day.
Supporters, families and also your friends (if they are happy to join the Supporters) are all welcome. All enquiries and bookings for working weekends can be made through the Guiding Manager by emailing booktoguide@tiritirimatangi.
Corporate Volunteering on Tiritiri Matangi
Tiritiri Matangi’s forest restoration is complete, and the island is now home to a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. While large-scale planting is no longer required, ongoing conservation work continues, including track maintenance and beach clean-ups. We welcome corporate and community groups to join us in supporting this vital mahi.
Group Packages
Group of up to 10 volunteers – $1,650 + GST
Smaller group (up to 5 people) – $820 + GST
Additional participants – $100 + GST per person
What’s included:
- Return ferry fare for your group
- One or two experienced volunteer supervisors
- Hands-on conservation activity (track or beach work)
- A guided walk down the Wattle Track, highlighting the island’s unique flora and fauna
Please note: Food is not included in the package.
All enquiries and bookings for corporate volunteering can be made through the Operations Manager by emailing opsmanager@tiritirimatangi.
Department of Conservation Volunteering Programme
General Maintenance 7 Day Programme
If you are interested in helping out the rangers on the island, you can join DOC’s volunteer programme.
The role involves carrying out general maintenance tasks which include:
- Track maintenance - clearing tracks and accessway
- Weeding.
- Cleaning - this includes cleaning the water troughs, bunkhouse and the Visitor Centre
- General maintenance tasks such as painting
- Replenishing sugar water supplies, between March and October.
You need to have a medium fitness level to be considered for this position. The Department of Conservation will provide ferry transport and bunkhouse accommodation on the island. You must supply your own food.