Introduced wasps harm our native birds by competing for their food sources and attacking their young. They also attack native lizards and bats and are a nuisance for people enjoying the outdoors.
We're inviting volunteers in Nelson Tasman and Malborough Sounds to work with DOC staff on this year's Wasp Wipeout project. Each year, this project targets German and common wasp populations and reduces their numbers by more than 90%.
Dates
Opportunites will run from mid-January to the end of March each year.
This work is weather dependent, so dates can sometimes occur at short notice.
Description
Volunteers will be trained to assist DOC staff put out bait stations and place bait in wasp prone areas. You'll be supported with supervision while placing stations and bait.
What to expect
Once you have been added to the Wasp Wipeout database you will be contacted by a DOC staff member to see if you would like to volunteer at a given site on an approximate date.
Fitness/skills required: You'll need to be over 18 and have a moderate level of fitness. Volunteers will walk on a track for at least four hours while carrying a pack.
Let us know on your volunteer form if you have
- backcountry experience,
- a first-aid certificate, or
- a vespex handling certificate.
Experience required: It is not necessary for volunteers to have experience as you will be trained and supervised throughout all tasks.
Transport: You'll need your own transport to travel to the sites where you'll be needed.
What to bring
- A daypack including a packed lunch and a water bottle
- suitable clothing for tramping (not cotton or denim)
- a raincoat
- solid footwear
- any medication you need.
How to apply
To be added to the Wasp Wipeout volunteer database for Nelson Tasman fill in an application form.
Outside of Nelson Tasman
Wasp Wipeout operations are also carried out in the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough area, West Coast, Canterbury, Central Otago, Auckland, and Wellington. If you would like to volunteer in these regions, email Conservation Volunteers New Zealand stating where you'd like to help:
Email: waspwipeout@cvnz.org.nz
You can also find out more on other volunteer opportunities in the South Island by signing up for the Top of the South newsletter.
DOC and Conservation Volunteers New Zealand coordinate volunteers to control wasps and reduce their damaging effects every year. Wasp Wipeout was formed by Stuff.co.nz and is administered by the Tasman Environmental Trust.