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

June 2026

Date: Sunday 7 and Monday 8 June
Time: 9 am – expect to finish by 12 pm midday
What: Forest & Bird Tikitapu Rotorua - Bait Line clearing at Tikitapu Scenic Reserve
Where: Okareka Loop Rd, just down from the fire station
Task: In preparation for the annual toxin programme in Tikitapu Scenic Reserve, which means ensuring that the network of bait stations is in good condition.

The objective is to trim, and where necessary, re-mark the bait station lines. We will also be checking and cleaning the bait stations.

Choose which day suits you best. We have two more weekends allocated for bait line work before the toxin distribution begins. Each day will begin with assigning tasks and a safety briefing.

Refreshments provided on return to base.

Requirements:

• Bring: Backpack, drink, snack, parka, loppers, secateurs, hammer. Good footwear is essential as the lines are steep and can be slippery.

Registration: Pre-registration is essential. In the event of cancellation, only those who have registered will be contacted.

To register and for additional information contact: Rotorua.branch@forestandbird.org.nz or text Margaret 0274202022.

Date: Tuesday 16 June
Time: 9 am – expect to finish by 2 pm
What: Mokaihaha Kōkako Trust - Bait station line maintenance
Where: Meet at 9 am on layby at Mossop Rd outside the Tokoroa Sports Centre or 9.30 at Galaxy Road car park at road end.
Task: Bait station line maintenance

Volunteers will work in pairs and need to be confident walking and sometimes scrambling off track in forest, so moderate level of fitness is important and navigation skills helpful but not necessary. There is no mobile phone coverage. You will be following a pre-marked line, clearing over growing vegetation and windfalls, remarking where needed, checking bait stations and labelling when required. You will hear and see many different birds, maybe kokako if they are in good voice.

Dress warmly as this area is usually significantly colder and wetter than surrounding towns.

Bring: In a day pack, bring food and drink for the day, and a raincoat. Also hand tools such as secateurs, folding pruning saws, light hammer, compass and high-vis vest if you have them. Hiking or work boots are recommended for the rough terrain.

Registration: Contact Stephen on 0223641921 to confirm attendance and if you haven't already, register as a volunteer online: Mokaihaha Kōkako Trust.

November 2026

Date: Friday 27 November
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
What: Annual survey of the Red Bearded Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) in association with Rotorua Botanical Society.
Where: Rotorua District
Task: Survey the Red Bearded Orchid population to determine population size and distribution
Requirements:

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

Registration: For more information and to register, contact: Kristina Thompson kthompson@doc.govt.nz or 0273022774

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: cnoble@doc.govt.nz