Conservation Volunteer – 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
Volunteering with us is 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.
You can choose from a range of activities that are all part of creating a native forest ecosystem:
- In the nursery potting plants and a variety of other tasks to take plants from small seedlings to mature ready-to-plant specimens. A high level of fitness is not needed although you will be on your feet during the day.
- Planting native trees over the winter months, converting grassy areas to future forest. Planting areas are in long grass and sometimes on steep slopes, so a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is needed.
- Weeding the existing forest to keep it flourishing is vital. Moth plant, wattle, woolly nightshade and pampas are some of our target pests. We call this Extreme Weeding - it isn’t what you do around home and a good level of fitness is needed.
- Maintenance of our nursery buildings and irrigation system, as well as other buildings like our volunteer accommodation is ongoing. If you are a DIYer and keen to help, then we have a place for you on the team.
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. 🌿
Interested? Apply now and become part of the Motutapu Restoration Trust community.
No specific knowledge is required - we provide you with training and equipment. You just need:
- A desire to make a difference to New Zealand’s natural environment
- A willingness to get your hands dirty (although we do provide gloves!)
- And your own lunch and water as there are no shops on the island
- Volunteer days on Motutapu include a return ferry trip from the mainland and are full-day events, although working time on the island is about 4 hours. A volunteer discount for the ferry is available.
- Flexible options are available: volunteer on weekdays or weekends to suit your schedule.
- Volunteers who want to come out regularly are particularly needed, but we also welcome you if you can come just once, or once or twice a year.
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Conservation