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Become a Weekend Host (Saturdays & Sundays, 2.5 hours):- Based at Tāne Whakapiripiri, the Ōtari Visitor Centre
- Greet visitors and answer their questions about Ōtari. Sell cards and books. (Training is given.).
- Great for people with good communication skills.
- Hosts are rostered in pairs, either on morning or afternoon shifts.
- About once a month is ideal, or whenever you can manage.
- Join the Kaiwharawhara Restoration Group (2nd Saturday of each month, 9am-12noon):
- Twenty years ago this valley was choked with weeds and rubbish. Its restoration continues.
- You can help by planting native trees and shrubs and removing weeds.
- Get some outdoor exercise and contribute to a healthier environment.
- Good fitness, old clothes and strong footwear are required.
Forest Weeding (1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 9am-12noon):- Help remove and control weeds to maintain the forest health.
- Work with Ōtari staff who provide guidance, tools, gloves and weed bags,
- Moderate fitness, old clothes and strong footwear recommended.
- Note than keen weeders now meet weekly - that’s entirely optional
- Work in Gardens Maintenance & Weeding (Thursdays, 8.30am-12noon):
- Assist Ōtari garden staff with weeding and maintenance of the native plant collections.
- Enjoy the priviledge of working in New Zealand’s only botanic garden solely dedicated to native plants.
- Learn new gardening skills and contribute to the health of Ōtari.
Become a Tour Guide or Tour Assistant (variable schedule, 1-2 hours, mainly summer):- Lead tours for cruise ship passengers and other visitors.
- Training and shadowing opportunities provided.
- Ideal for those who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and enjoy public speaking.
- You say which tours you can help with
RAMBO Trapping- Help monitor the traplines in Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, plus neighbouring reserves and farmland
- Check, rebait and reset traps and remove dead animals as required.
- Training, tools and bait are provided.
- Some tramping experience helps, the terrain can be steep and muddy.
- Lines take one to two hours to get around, shared rosters mean a commitment of once about every 4 to 6 weeks.