Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our conservation efforts in Kaharoa Forest. We’re always happy to welcome new people, and we have a wide range of tasks available, so there’s likely to be something that suits you.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please read the info below to learn more, then get in touch by emailing us (kaharoakokako@gmail.com) or filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
Why Volunteer With Us?
Volunteering with KKT offers a truly rewarding experience that extends far beyond lending a helping hand. You'll have the opportunity to:
Contribute to meaningful conservation work that directly impacts the survival of the endangered kōkako and improved the overall health of our forest ecosystem.
Connect with like-minded people who share a deep love for nature and a desire to make a positive difference.
Develop new skills and knowledge through hands-on experience and guidance from our experienced team.
Create lasting memories while immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of Kaharoa Forest.
“I love volunteering with the team at Kaharoa. They’re such a great bunch of people who are kind, committed, and heaps of fun to be around. I’ve made new friends through volunteering here, and it’s very fulfilling to spend quality time helping the ecosystem heal and thrive!”
— Callum Armstrong, Volunteer
Volunteer Roles and Activities
Here are some of the ways that you can help:
Pest control operations (delivering and removing prefeed and toxins, track and trap maintenance).
Monitoring activities (collecting data from tracking tunnels and wax tags, 5-minute bird counts, and invertebrate surveys).
Administrative support outside of workdays (e.g., completing funding applications).
Adopt-a-track programme (more info below).
Whether you prefer getting your hands dirty outdoors or contributing your skills from home, there's likely to be a role that suits your interests and availability.
Volunteer Workdays
We regularly host volunteer workdays. These are normally the 3rd Saturday morning of each month (Excluding a break over December and January). These family-friendly events bring our community together to tackle various tasks in the forest, contributing towards our ongoing operations.
At each event, you can expect:
A comprehensive briefing on the day's activities and safety protocols before starting.
Guidance from experienced volunteers who will show you the ropes if needed.
The joy of working alongside others passionate about conservation in Kaharoa Forest.
A snack, cuppa, debrief and chat with other volunteers after the day’s activities are finished.
They are a fun and inclusive way of helping to protect kōkako and the surrounding habitat. For details and updates about upcoming events, check out our homepage or Facebook page.
Click the button below to download our volunteer handbook, which shares more information about our workdays and what to expect:
Adopt-a-Track Programme
Can't make it to our workdays? No problem! Through our Adopt-a-track programme, you can contribute to our efforts at your own pace. This involves adopting a designated track within the Kaharoa Conservation Area and maintaining it independently at times that suit you best, ensuring it remains accessible for our ongoing conservation activities.
Get Involved
If you’d like to lend your support to our mission, please fill out the contact form below or send us an email (kaharoakokako@gmail.com) to express your interest. We'd love to hear from you!