Conservation Volunteer Projects. Hauraki Area, Coromandel Peninsula

Transcription

1 Conservation Volunteer Projects Hauraki Area, Coromandel Peninsula

2 Conservation Volunteer Programme Welcome to the Conservation Volunteer Programme. In this booklet are opportunities to participate in conservation projects in the Hauraki Area, of the Department of Conservation. The Hauraki Area covers the Coromandel Peninsula. These projects are practical ones and offer you the chance to maybe learn new skills as well as meet others, do useful conservation work and enjoy the outdoors. All projects are subsidised by the Department of Conservation. Our Volunteer Goals Provide volunteer opportunities for the community to assist in the conservation of New Zealand s natural, cultural and historic resources. Provide opportunities for people to safely experience the natural and historic environment and to become sensitive to those values. Support and strengthen links between tangata whenua, conservation and recreation groups, the community in general and the Department of Conservation. Provide, where appropriate, opportunities for volunteers to become aware of Māori values and perspectives on the environment. Enable conservation tasks that otherwise would not have been done, to be completed through the assistance of volunteers. The Department s Volunteer Programme focuses on providing opportunities primarily for local communities, then other New Zealanders and lastly overseas visitors. Volunteers helping with track development work Cover The Conservation Volunteer Programme offers the chance to assist with conservation work and enjoy the outdoors. (DOC) Published by Department of Conservation Hauraki Area Office Waikato Conservancy Hamilton, New Zealand June 2011

3 Contents Conservation Projects 3 1. Fletcher Bay Campsite Working Bee 3 2. Port Jackson Campsite Working Bee 4 3. Fantail Bay Campsite Working Bee 5 4. Whenuakite Kauri Walk & Lynch Stream Tramping Track Maintenance 6 5. Cookson Kauri Walk & Wainora Tramping Track Maintenance, Kauaeranga Valley 7 6. Coromandel Walks Project 8 7. Muriwai Walk Site Restoration 9 8. Cathedral Cove Amenity Area Beautification, Hahei Whitianga Rock Historic Reserve Enhancement, Whitianga Opito Bay Historic Reserve Enhancement Otama Beach Dune Protection Hot Water Beach Dune Protection Dotterel Watch Programme Minders Motorhome Safari Kauri Dieback Advocacy at Events 17 Applying for Projects 19 Acceptance 19 Cancellation 19 What to Expect 20 Fitness level guide 20 What to Bring 20 Other Volunteer Opportunities 20 Application Forms 21 Conservation Projects 1. Fletcher Bay Campsite Working Bee 10 volunteers for 4 days Tuesday-Friday August 2011 Fletcher Bay conservation campsite is located at the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula and is a very popular holiday destination over the summer. Landscape planting and site improvements are needed within this campsite. Volunteers will assist with planting; undertaking earthworks before regrassing; weed control; fencing; helping construct a track and painting campsite amenities. This area boasts great fishing and is at the start of the Coromandel Walkway for after work pursuits. Low-medium Accommodation Fletcher Bay Backpackers own transport to Fletcher Bay or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames on 23 August 2011 at 10 am and return on 26 August 2011 between 4:30-5:00 pm. their own food and drinks for lunch and evening meals. Breakfasts (cereal and toast), tea and coffee will be provided. Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. 2 3

4 2. Port Jackson Campsite Working Bee 10 volunteers for 1 day 4 October Fantail Bay Campsite Working Bee 10 volunteers for 1 day 7 September 2011 Port Jackson campsite at the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula is a popular holiday destination, with a long sweeping sandy beach. Volunteers will be involved with dune restoration, planting, weeding, regrassing, fencing and painting campsite facilities. It will be a long day but there will be time at lunchtime for a walk on the beach or along part of the Muriwai Track. Low-medium own transport to Port Jackson or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames on 4 October 2011 at 8 am and return to the same location at approximately 6:30 pm. and afternoon tea). Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. Fantail Bay campsite is a small camping area beneath pohutukawa trees, adjoining a rocky shore at the north-western end of the Coromandel Peninsula. This campsite requires landscaping and path construction. Volunteers will be assisting with, planting, digging and metalling a track and building maintenance. Enjoy the drive up the picturesque coastline and make the most of your lunchtime break on the rocky shore or walk up to the bushline for outstanding views into the Hauraki Gulf. Low-Medium. own transport to Fantail Bay or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames on 7 September 2011 at 8 am and return to the same location at approximately 5:30 pm. and afternoon tea). Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. Fantail Bay Campsite Opposite Port Jackson Campsite (DOC) 4 5

5 4. Whenuakite Kauri Walk & Lynch Stream Tramping Track Maintenance 10 volunteers for 2 days at a time (A) 26/27 November 2011, or (B) 24/25 March 2012, or (C) 23/24 June The 2.8 km Whenuakite Kauri walk is a popular loop track through regenerating kauri which gives good views over the surrounding forest. Lynch Stream Tramping Track off the kauri walk, leads down Lynch Stream to Otara Bay and onto Te Karo Bay and Sailor s Grave. This track takes you through the heart of a community based kiwi protection project. Volunteers will be undertaking improvements to side drains and culverts, maintaining steps, track resurfacing, cleaning and replacing track signage, removing litter and vegetation trimming on both tracks. Low-medium. Accommodation Volunteer s House in the Kauaeranga Valley. Please advise if accommodation is required. Volunteers can either use their own transport to the start of the Whenuakite Kauri Walk or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 8:00 am arriving at Whenuakite at 9:00 am and return to the same location in Thames at approximately 4:00 pm. and afternoon tea). Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. 5. Cookson Kauri Walk & Wainora Tramping Track Maintenance, Kauaeranga Valley 10 volunteers for 2 days at a time (A) 5/6 November 2011, or (B) 3/4 March 2012, or (C) 9/10 June The Cookson Kauri Track begins from the Wainora campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley. It is a well graded track with steps and bridges to the magnificent Cookson Kauri. The Wainora Kauri Tramping Track continues on climbing a spur offering views of Table Mountain before you come to the two large Wainora kauri. Both tracks require attention to ensure they remain in good condition for visitors. Volunteers will be assisting with clearing side drains and culverts, maintaining steps, track resurfacing, cleaning and replacing track signage, removing litter and vegetation trimming. Cookson Kauri Walk Opposite Volunteer helping with track maintenance (DOC) Medium-high. These tracks include moderately steep climbs. Accommodation Volunteer s House in the Kauaeranga Valley. Please advise if accommodation is required. own transport to the Wainora campsite in the Kauaeranga valley or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 8:00 am, arriving at Wainora campsite at 8:45 am and return to the same location in Thames at approximately 4:00 pm. and afternoon tea). People staying overnight will need to bring their evening meal and breakfast. Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. 7

6 6. Coromandel Town Walks Project 10 volunteers for 2 days at a time (A) 10/11 September2011; or (B) 3/4 December 2011; or (C) 10/11 March The 1.6 km long Kauri Block Walk is in regenerating bush with planted kauri. A side track leads to an old pa site with spectacular views over Coromandel town and coast. Taumatawahine Walk is predominantly a ponga bush walk within the town. Both tracks require attention to ensure visitors can use the tracks in a safe manner. Volunteers will assist with clearing side drains and culverts, maintaining steps, track resurfacing, cleaning and replacing track signage, removing litter and vegetation trimming. Low/medium Accommodation Volunteers House at Kauaeranga Valley. Please advise if accommodation is required. own transport to the tracks in Coromandel or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 8:00 am, arriving at either Kauri Block Walk or Taumatawahine Walk at 9:00 am and return to the same location in Thames at approximately 4:00 pm. and afternoon tea). Those staying in the volunteer house will need to supply their own food for their evening meal and breakfast. 7. Muriwai Walk Site Restoration, Port Jackson 10 volunteers for 2 periods of 4 days (A) Thursday 6 October Sunday 9 October 2011; or (B) Thursday 19 April Sunday 22 April Muriwai Track starts at the eastern end of Port Jackson climbing up onto the coastal cliffs. The track gives spectacular views out to Cape Colville, Great Barrier Island and the surrounding sea area. Along the track there are plantings of coastal forest species. Volunteers will assist with clearing side drains and culverts, maintaining steps, track resurfacing, cleaning and replacing track signage, releasing plantings and weeding with some planting also likely. This area boasts great fishing and your accommodation at Fletcher Bay is at the start of the coastal Coromandel Walkway for after work pursuits. Low/medium Accommodation Fletcher Bay Backpackers. own transport to Port Jackson or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames on the Thursday at 8 am, arriving at Port Jackson at 10:00 am and return to the same Thames location on Sunday at approximately 5:00 pm. their own food and drinks for lunch and evening meal. Breakfasts (cereal and toast), tea, coffee, biscuits will be provided. Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. Muriwai Walk Track Opposite Kauri Block Walk (DOC) 8 9

7 8. Cathedral Cove Amenity Area Beautification, Hahei 10 volunteers for 1 day at a time (A) 27 July 2011; or (B) 23 November 2011 The Amenity Area is the gateway to the most popular walk in the Coromandel, the spectacular Cathedral Cove Beach and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. The car park and information kiosk provide for many visitors. Volunteers will be weeding, planting and mulching gardens, picking up litter, maintaining signage and facilities. The car park area itself gives panoramic views over Mercury Bay. Low-medium own transport to Cathedral Cove car park or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 7:30 am, arriving at the car park at 9:00 am and return to Thames at approximately 4:30 pm. and afternoon tea). 9. Whitianga Rock Historic Reserve Enhancement, Whitianga 4 volunteers for 1 day at a time (A) 19 October 2011; or (B) 22 February 2012; or (C) 20 June 2012 This Historic Reserve includes the remains of a well fortified Ngati Hei pa site situated on top of the rock, guarding the entrance to Whitianga Harbour. Volunteers will be involved in mowing, weed control, structure and track maintenance. The views from this site stretch from Whitianga Harbour, over Whitianga town and into the Mercury Bay. Low-medium. Mowing or scrub bar certification would be an advantage. own transport to Whitianga Rock Pa Historic Reserve (or cross on the ferry from Whitianga) or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 7:30 am, arriving at the carpark at 9:00 am and return to Thames at approximately 4:30 pm. and afternoon tea). Cathedral Cove Opposite Whitianga Rock Pa Site (DOC) 10 11

8 10. Opito Bay Historic Reserve Enhancement 4 volunteers for 1 day at a time: (A) 12 October 2011; or (B) 15 February 2012; or (C) 13 June 2012 This reserve is located on a headland at Opito Bay with wooden steps to the summit which is the site of a Ngati Hei pa. Volunteers will assist with mowing grass, weed control, structure and track maintenance. The views from this pa site stretch out to the Mercury Islands and beyond. Low-medium. Mowing or scrub bar certification would be an advantage. own transport to Opito Bay Historic Reserve or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 7:00 am, arriving at the carpark at 9:00 am and return to Thames at approximately 5:00 pm. and afternoon tea). Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. 11. Otama Beach Dune Protection 8 volunteers for 5 days Monday 19 September Friday 23 September 2011 Otama Beach has regionally significant, intact sand dune systems that are being invaded by exotic weeds. Volunteers can assist with Accommodation the protection of this special area by removing weeds from the dunes. These weeds include, but are not restricted to, ice plant, lupin, gorse, heather and hakea. At this beautiful white sandy beach native fauna, including the endangered NZ dotterel should be able to be observed. After work recreation opportunities at the Kauaeranga Valley include river, bush and historic pursuits. Medium. A current Grow Safe certificate would be an advantage. Kauaeranga Valley volunteer house is available. Please advise if accommodation is required. own transport to Otama Beach or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 7:30 am and return at 4:30 pm each day. breakfast, lunch and dinner (tea, coffee, hot water, cold drink, cup and biscuits will be provided for morning and afternoon tea). Food is not available for purchase on site and there are no shops nearby. Opito Bay Opposite Waikawau sand dunes (DOC) 12 13

9 12. Hot Water Beach Dune Protection 8 volunteers for 5 days Monday 5 September Friday 9 September 2011 Hot Water Beach has regionally significant, intact sand dune systems that are being invaded by exotic weeds. Volunteers can assist with the protection of this special area by removing weeds from the dunes. These weeds include, but are not restricted to, ice plant, lupin, gorse, heather and hakea. Enjoy a lunchtime swim and soak in the hot pools, which you dig for yourself in the sand. After work recreation opportunities at the Kauaeranga Valley include river, bush and historic pursuits. Medium. A current Grow Safe certificate would be an advantage. Accommodation Kauaeranga Valley volunteer house. Please advise if accommodation is required. own transport to Hot Water Beach Reserve or advise the need for transport in a mini van. The mini van will leave Hauraki Area Office, cnr Pahau & Kirkwood Sts, Thames at 8:00 am and return at 4:30 pm each day. breakfast, lunch and dinner (tea, coffee, hot water, cold drink, cup and biscuits will be provided for morning and afternoon tea). 13. Dotterel Watch Programme Minders No limit to volunteers. Daily or as practical. Minimum likely to be 1 hour/week but volunteers can spend as much time as they have available. 1 September 2011 until February The New Zealand Dotterel Watch Programme has been set up to protect the endangered NZ Dotterel at beaches all around the Coromandel Peninsula. During the breeding season (September to February) many Dotterel minders volunteer to protect, advocate for and monitor these endangered birds. This is a very rewarding project to be involved with and can form part of your daily walk. Low fitness. Advocacy may in some cases be stressful. Training in Dotterel minding will be given by the Dotterel Ranger. Location Volunteers must be close to a beach with nesting dotterel, or are able to regularly visit dotterel nesting sites. New Zealand dotterel Opposite Hot Water Beach sand dunes (DOC) 14 15

10 14. Motorhome Safari Up to 50 volunteers for 5 days (A) Kauaeranga Valley 10 October 12 October 2011; and/or (B) Waikawau Reserve, Thames Coast 13 October 14 October 2011 This volunteer project is a joint initiative between the Department and the New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Association (NZMCA) and provides an opportunity for motorhome and caravan owners to meet others and assist DOC in key projects. (B) The Waikawau Recreation Reserve on the Thames Coast has recently been retired from grazing. It contains large coastal tree species and a wetland. The restoration programme includes planting coastal and wetland species to complement the old established trees. This reserve is 5 minutes to the Waikawau Boat ramp a point of entry to bountiful fishing grounds. The Thames Coast beaches close-by afford breathtaking sunsets. A) The Kauaeranga Visitor Centre is situated 13 kilometres up the Kauaeranga Valley. The Centre is set picturesquely among garden, lawn and bush. It has many thousands of visitors annually who come for information about tracks, huts and campsites. The nearby Kahikatea Walk passes through native plantings to the one-third replica kauri driving dam. Volunteers will assist with general enhancement of the area by weeding, gardening, planting and outside cleaning around the Visitor Centre and carpark. Other tasks include clearing side drains and culverts, maintaining steps, track resurfacing and cleaning and replacing track signage. After work recreation opportunities at the Kauaeranga Valley include river, bush and historic pursuits. Low Medium Accommodation Volunteers must have a certified self contained motorhome or caravan which they will use to camp in at the Kauaeranga Valley and Waikawau Reserve. Normal camp fees will be waived. Volunteers will meet at the Kauaeranga Visitor car park on Monday 10 October 2011 at 9:00 am. Volunteers will meet at Waikawau Reserve on Thursday 13 October 2011 at 9:00 am. breakfast, lunch and dinner (tea, coffee, hot water, cold drink, cup and biscuits will be provided for morning and afternoon tea). A barbecue meal will be supplied on the evening of the 11 October. Volunteers assist with planting at the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre (DOC) 16 17

11 15. Kauri Dieback Advocacy at Events 2 volunteers for up to 20 half or full day events Kauri Dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but we can help prevent it. A multi-agency programme is advocating for the prevention of the spread of this disease. The key messages are Stay on Track and off kauri roots; Clean your gear, (shoes, tyres and equipment) before and after visiting kauri forests. Volunteers are required to help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback into the Coromandel Peninsula by attending sporting and other high profile events in the Coromandel Peninsula. At sporting events volunteers will ensure that participants are cleaning shoes and sporting equipment thoroughly. At non-sporting events volunteers will be raising public awareness through the Keep Kauri Standing campaign. This requires passion and commitment to save Kauri trees on the Peninsula. It is expected there would be a pool of volunteers to cover different events throughout the year. Skills Training will be given in advocacy delivery and content. Applying for Projects When considering your project options, take into account the fitness required, your availability, the work conditions, and personal commitments that may impact on your choice. Complete the application form (one for each and send to: Volunteer Coordinator Hauraki Area Office Department of Conservation PO Box 343 Thames 3540 or haurakivolunteers@doc.govt.nz Acceptance Confirmation of your booking will be sent to you when you have been accepted for your conservation project. If applying several months in advance, notification of acceptance may not occur until closer to the project but every effort will be made to notify you in a reasonable timeframe. Some projects may be oversubscribed. Selection criteria will include applicant suitability and then the applicants will go to ballot. Due to the popularity of volunteer projects we are unable to guarantee that all applicants will be accepted for a project. Any changes or additional details of the project will be advised. If applying as a couple or friends, please specify this on your application form. Cancellation If you are unable to attend a project, please notify the Volunteer Co-ordinator (phone, , or haurakivolunteers@ doc.govt.nz) as soon as possible. Last minute cancellations may lead to project cancellation. Extreme weather conditions (flooding, extreme weather warning events, etc.) may make it impractical to carry out the project as defined in the booklet. In such cases, every effort will be made to reschedule it. If this is not possible, we reserve the right to cancel the project. Volunteers ensure that shoes and sporting equipment are cleaned thoroughly (DOC) 18 19

12 What to Expect Transport will be available from the pick-up location and to and from the work site. Equipment and tools are generally provided unless otherwise stated. Meeting people and enjoying each other s company is an important part of Conservation Volunteer Projects. Where time permits, an endeavour will be made to include recreation and visits to local places of interest in the project. Most activities are outdoors and require a reasonable level of fitness and self motivation. Leaders have ultimate discretion of suitability of applicants for projects. Fitness level guide Low - Capable of tramping with pack up to 4 hours. Medium - Capable of tramping with pack up to 4-8 hours. High - Capable of tramping with pack up to 8 hours plus. What to Bring A full equipment list will be issued prior to the commencement of the project. Other Volunteer Opportunities Other volunteer opportunities can be found on the DOC website There are a number of community conservation groups operating on the Coromandel Peninsula. For further information about these, please to contact the Department of Conservation Hauraki Area Office, phone Application Form One application form required per person. Note: 18 years is recommended as the minimum age without parental supervision. There is no upper age limit. First Name:... Surname:... Address:... Postcode:... Address:... Phone (daytime):... Age:... Male Female Projects applied for (show clearly if your choices are alternatives and in order of priority) Project No. Dates Do you have any skills or experience that might be useful? Knowledge of NZ plant species Propagation or planting Weed control Predator control Fencing, carpentry or building Track building and maintenance Other (please specifiy)... Other Details Contact address of next of kin in case of emergencies Name:... Address:... Relationship:...Ph No.:

13 Do you wish to have your contact details sent to other volunteers on the same project for transportationarrangements? Yes No Do you have a current first aid certificate? Yes Please state any medical conditions? (e.g. diabetes, heart condition, asthma, allergies, food intolerance). Are you dependent on any medication? Yes Please state:... Dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian, vegan): Agreement When on Conservation Volunteer Projects, I agree to accept the guidance and direction provided by the leader/s. Signature:... Date... Send to Conservation Volunteer Co-ordinator Department of Conservation PO Box 343 THAMES 3540 Tel: (07) , Fax: (07) haurakivolunteers@doc.govt.nz No No Please add me to the mailing list to receive the next Conservation Volunteer Projects booklet. I require van transport to and from this project. I require volunteer accommodation the night before and/or during this project (if applicable). Application Form One application form required per person. Note: 18 years is recommended as the minimum age without parental supervision. There is no upper age limit. First Name:... Surname:... Address:... Postcode:... Address:... Phone (daytime):... Age:... Male Female Projects applied for (show clearly if your choices are alternatives and in order of priority) Project No. Dates Do you have any skills or experience that might be useful? Knowledge of NZ plant species Propagation or planting Weed control Predator control Fencing, carpentry or building Track building and maintenance Other (please specifiy)... Other Details Contact address of next of kin in case of emergencies Name:... Address:... Relationship:...Ph No.:

14 Do you wish to have your contact details sent to other volunteers on the same project for transportationarrangements? Yes No Do you have a current fi rst aid certifi cate? Yes Please state any medical conditions? (e.g. diabetes, heart condition, asthma, allergies, food intolerance). Are you dependent on any medication? Yes Please state:... Dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian, vegan): No No Kauri trees are national icons for all New Zealanders and a Taonga (treasure) of great significance to Maori. Do your part in protecting New Zealand s Natural Heritage. Agreement When on Conservation Volunteer Projects, I agree to accept the guidance and direction provided by the leader/s. Signature:... Date... Send to Conservation Volunteer Co-ordinator Department of Conservation PO Box 343 THAMES 3540 Tel: (07) , Fax: (07) haurakivolunteers@doc.govt.nz Please add me to the mailing list to receive the next Conservation Volunteer Projects booklet. I require van transport to and from this project. I require volunteer accommodation the night before and/or during this project (if applicable)

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