Volunteer hihi field assistant on Tiritiri Matangi Island

We are looking for a volunteer hihi field assistant to help with management of the breeding season for October 2026 to March 2027.

The volunteer time will be 11 stints of 10 days and an LUV training course (dates TBC).

Attributes and skills required

This role will suit someone starting out in conservation wishing to gain on the ground field experience with an intensively managed bird species.

Some knowledge of native species and conservation methods.
Medium level of fitness; able to spend most of the day walking around in the bush off-track.
Ability to work alone as well as part of a team.
Patience – for days when nest monitoring is required.
Willingness to live in shared accommodation and in a remote location.
Full driver’s licence.
First aid trained.
Competency in bicycle riding.

Dates 2026/27

LUV training (dates TBC)
9 –16 October 2026
21–30 October 2026
4 –13 November 2026
18 –27 November 2026
2 –11 December 2026
16 –23 December 2026
28 December – 8 January 2027
13 – 22 January 2027
27 January – 5 February 2027
10 – 19 February 2027
24 February – 5 March 2027

You will be required to leave the island on your days off, and are responsible for your own accommodation when you are off the island. There may be times when your designated bed in the bunkhouse is required during your rostered days off.

Description

The successful applicant will help to manage the breeding season of the hihi on Tiritiri Matangi Island, which has a conservation status of Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable. They are currently only found in 8 locations in New Zealand. This population requires intensive management to remain viable.

Visit hihi conservation website for hihi research or check out @hihi_conservation_trust on Instagram.

Tasks

Provision of supplementary food (sugar water) and maintaining hygiene at permanent feeding stations.
Cleaning and placement of nest boxes.
Nest observations to monitor breeding activity and identify breeding birds.
Pre and post-breeding population surveys (re-sighting banded birds).
Nest checks for breeding activity.
Treatment of nest mite parasites.
Other roles as required by hihi managers/researchers based on the island.

What’s provided

LUV (light utility vehicle) course and qualifications.
First aid course – but an advantage if you already have this.
Accommodation and food while on the island as well as ferry transport.
Gear – binoculars are available for use, you will use these every day, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. A day pack can also be provided.

Read about what it's like to volunteer with hihi:

How to apply

Register your interest using the online application form.
And send an email to abbeyskilton@outlook.co.nz and cc. aucklandvolunteer@doc.govt.nz tiritirimatangi@doc.govt.nz, and hihiconservationhco@outlook.com explaining why you would like to be considered for this role. Include a CV if you like.