Conservation Volunteer Leader – Motutapu Restoration Trust

About Us

Motutapu Restoration Trust (MRT) was established in 1994 to restore the natural and historic landscapes of Motutapu and to engage the community in conservation efforts.

Over the past three decades:

• Thousands of volunteers have planted over 500,000 native trees, transforming 100 hectares of bare pasture into thriving forest habitat.
• Key species like** Kiwi, Takahē and Tīeke** have been reintroduced to the island thanks to our habitat restoration efforts and the eradication of mammalian pests, completed by DOC in 2011.

We continue to work with mana whenua Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and DOC to revitalize the mauri of Motutapu by regenerating native ecosystems and controlling invasive plant species. Our work is almost entirely completed by volunteers like you!

The Role

Conservation Volunteers with Motutapu Restoration Trust help year-round in the nursery and weeding native forest of pest plants, as well as planting trees in winter. It’s a great day out from central Auckland with a ferry trip to Rangitoto and chances to spot rare birds, as well as hands-on work.

As a Volunteer Leader, you will be at the heart of our efforts, ensuring volunteer teams:

• Understand their tasks and complete them safely.
• Have a memorable and enjoyable day on Motutapu.

You’ll coordinate activities with the leaders' team, work with and guide a group during the work day, and report on outcomes. This hands-on role directly supports our reforestation mission and community-driven conservation efforts.

What You’ll Need

To succeed in this role, you should bring:

• Great interpersonal skills and a passion for conservation.
• A good level of fitness and comfort working outdoors in forest environments.
• A willingness to learn new skills and share your knowledge with others.

Experience in conservation projects like propagation, planting, or weed management is an advantage. Previous involvement with community groups or volunteer management (or as a volunteer yourself) is also beneficial.

This is your chance to contribute to something incredible - restoring one of New Zealand's treasured island sanctuaries. Together, let’s create a thriving home for native flora and fauna.