Volunteer crew at Tarawera Falls
Image: Dean Strachan | DOC

Introduction

Come along to help DOC rangers and community groups enhance local gems in Rotorua.

Description

Rangers from Rotorua invite you to join our monthly volunteer days. The activities and the location will vary from month to month.

As well as helping out DOC rangers and community groups, you'll also get to learn about the history of the project area, go on a walk, or even catch a glimpse of some of the amazing wildlife.

Dates

March

Okataina Track Maintenance

When: 21 March 2024, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve - Ngahopua / Anaha / Kepa Tracks
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades

Requirements:

  • Expect to walk between 5–7 km undulating to steep terrain.
  • Medium to high fitness

April

Okere Falls Walk Track Maintenance

When: 18 April 2024, 8:15 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve – Okere Falls Walk / Ridge Track / Carpark
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades

Requirements:

  • Expect to walk between 4–6 kilometres undulating to steep terrain.
  • Medium to high fitness

May

Tarawera Trail Track Maintenance

When: 23 May 2024, 8:15 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve – Carpark to Landing
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades

Requirements:

  • Expect to walk between 4–6 kilometres to steep terrain.
  • Medium to high fitness

June

Ngongotaha Track Maintenance

When: 20 June 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve – Ngongotaha Loop Track and Jubilee Track
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades

Requirements:

  • Expect to walk between 5–7 kilometres undulating to steep terrain.
  • Medium to high fitness

July

Hinehopu Track Maintenance

When: 18 July 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Hongis Track
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades

Requirements:

  • Expect to walk between 4–6 kilometres undulating and wet terrain.
  • Medium fitness

August

Tarawera Falls Track Maintenance

When: 22 August 2024, 8:00 am–4:30 pm
What: Track Maintenance
Where: Tarawera Scenic Reserve – Tarawera Falls Track & Tarawera Falls to Outlet Track
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking vegetation clearance and track surface work using hand-tools and blades

Requirements:

  • Expect to walk between 8–10 kilometres undulating and steep terrain.
  • Medium fitness

September

Restoration Planting

When: Last 2 weeks in September – 8:00 am–4:30 pm
What: Restoration Planting
Where: Various sites
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking native vegetation restoration

Requirements:

  • Expect to carry, dig and plant native plants at a planting site.
  • Expect to be working in exposed conditions and wetland ecosystems.
  • Medium fitness

October

Restoration Planting

When: First 2 weeks in October – 8:00 am–4:30 pm
What: Restoration Planting
Where: Various sites
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking native vegetation restoration

Requirements:

  • Expect to carry, dig and plant native plants at a planting site.
  • Expect to be working in exposed conditions and wetland ecosystems.
  • Medium fitness

November

Orchid Survey

When: Last week in November, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
What: Annual survey of the Red Bearded Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) with DOC biodiversity rangers.
Where: Rotorua District 
Task: Survey The Red Bearded Orchid with Biodiversity Rangers
Requirements:

  • Low to medium fitness
  • Comfortable close toed walking shoes /boots

Campground Maintenance

When: 21 November 2024, 8:30 am–4:30 pm
What: Campground Maintenance
Where: Lake Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Road Camp
Task: Spend the day with DOC rangers undertaking facility cleaning, vegetation clearance using hand-tools, power tools and water blaster.

Requirements:

  • Medium fitness

What to expect

Volunteers may find themselves helping to maintain walking tracks, tackling invasive weeds, helping with pest control or planting native trees. Some tasks may be physically demanding.

You should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the task.

Transport may be provided – check with the office.

For track and maintenance days you can expect to do the following:

  • Use hand tools to trim any low hanging branches/vines or encroaching
  • Collect rubbish
  • Remove debris from tracks
  • General track maintenance

What to bring

  • Food for lunch
  • Drinking water
  • Sun hat
  • Raincoat
  • Personal medication
  • Phone
  • Good footwear (boots preferred)
  • Back pack
  • Appropriate clothing

DOC will provide

  • Safety Hi-vis vest
  • Gloves and eye-wear if required
  • Hand-tools
  • First-aid kit

Contact

For more information and to register, contact:

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