This amazing, collaborative conservation program is a long term project with various government, businesses, community organizations, universities and volunteers to pool resources to deliver significant environmental and community benefits in the Punakaiki area.
A significant part of the program is restoring ex mining land into a nature reserve, creating an ecological corridor that spans from the mountains to sea, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the area that includes the only nesting ground of the vulnerable Westland Petrel, the natural habitat of the Blue Penguin and the sand plain forests bearing Nikau Palms and Rata trees many hundreds of years old.
Volunteers will work on restoring biodiversity of the area, support species protection, help to strengthen community networks, and provide enhanced conservation land for the benefit of future generations. From working with the most threatened species, to assisting in environmental restoration, volunteers make a huge difference on this program.
Goals of this Project:
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Help to protect the Blue Penguin and Westland Petrel
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Create a nature reserve from ex mining land and restore native forest
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Enhance and protect wetland ecology
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Enable inter-cultural exchange between all parties and teach international visitors more about environmental practices and New Zealand
Start Dates
This project is available year-round and programs start every FRIDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to give their time and energy to help protect the natural environment of New Zealand. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in conservation/environmental studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
