FAQs
Volunteer
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is fortunate to have a fantastic network of passionate supporters with around 200 registered community volunteers. Our 3,400-hectare sanctuary is dedicated to protecting New Zealand's unique biodiversity and endangered wildlife, and our volunteers generously give their time and skills to help with these efforts. We are extremely grateful for the contributions of our volunteers, and we couldn't achieve what we do without such a dedicated team.
Volunteer Opportunities
Here at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, the world's largest fenced eco-sanctuary, we have a range of volunteer opportunities that allow you to get hands-on and make a difference. There are a number of areas in which our volunteers contribute to our work based on experience, availability and skillsets - whether you are part of a corporate team or an individual, we have a role for you.
Opportunities for individuals
We are looking for individuals who can commit to a minimum of 6 months. Roles can be seasonal, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. This is ideal for those looking to gain more experience and make a meaningful impact.
Ranger assistant
For those interested in active conservation, becoming a ranger assistant is a rewarding experience. This role requires a commitment of at least two days per month (usually Thursdays), provides a hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of our work with pest management, sanctuary maintenance, and biodiversity.
Visitor ambassador
We seek friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to be the face of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. As a visitor ambassador you will engage with guests, share information about the sanctuary, and enhance our visitor experience. This is perfect for those who enjoy interacting with people, helping others, and like to help spread the word about the internationally significant work we do.
Gardener
If you have a passion for gardening we would love your help to enhance our beautiful grounds. As a gardener you will be part of the team that helps to keep the visitor centre gardens, education centre gardens, and plantings along visitor pathways looking good.
Visitor Centre reception desk assistant
We are also looking for volunteers to assist at our visitor centre front desk providing support to visitors and helping with bookings, information, and enquiries. If you enjoy interacting with people and want to help visitors feel welcomed, this role is for you.
Corporate groups
One-off group days
Bring your team together for a day of hands-on work to support the sanctuary. This is an excellent opportunity for team building and contributing to the community, conservation, and the future of New Zealand's biodiversity.
How to apply
Please register your interest in volunteering with us by completing our online questionnaire. This helps us to better understand your skills, interests, and availability to volunteer.
Get involved and make a difference with us today!
Testimonials
I retired after 50 years in aviation in January of 2024 having moved from Auckland to Cambridge. I was aware of Maungatautari and knew that I would be able to act as a volunteer; my first visit to the Visitor Centre and meeting with Lian (the Volunteer Co-ordinator) very quickly led to assigned tasks. I took over one of the trap and card lines which act as an early warning of vermin intrusion onto the maunga and also added my name to the list of those who carry sugar water up onto the mountain for supplemental feeding of the Hihi. I find the involvement very rewarding in many ways, from keeping active and fit, enjoying the company of like-minded people and of course the stunning natural environment that the maunga offers. More recently I have become involved in the annual Kiwi Muster where we capture kiwi for translocation to other kiwi habitats throughout the motu. I have very quickly moved from never having seen a kiwi in the wild to being trained in the art of safe handling and capture of the birds. I have found my involvement challenging, fun, and very satisfying and I am always impressed at the commitment and passion of all involved, be they permanent staff or volunteers. - Mike Panther
I started seriously volunteering on the Maunga when I finished working in the corporate world, some 10 years ago. My volunteering experiences have given me the opportunities to work on species translocation work with kokako, titipounamu, and kiwi, interact as a guide with some interesting environmentalists from all over the world, and keep my brain alive in governance roles. After some 15 years of maintaining a bait-line, I still really enjoy the monthly half day solitude of being alone in the ngahere, hearing and seeing the changing nature of the regenerating flora and fauna through the different seasons. - Graham Parker
Although I have not managed to do much volunteering at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, through the volunteering I have done I've found everyone to be kind, helpful, and informative. A real credit to the staff and other volunteers. - Deborah Wadge
For more information, please contact us at volunteer@maunagtrust.org
Volunteer positions vary based on availability, experience, skills, and fitness levels and we strive to match volunteers to tasks relative to their skillsets. We welcome volunteers who are able to give their time within the following options:
- For a regular number of hours on a particular day each week, fortnight, or month
- For an agreed number of hours on any day each week, fortnight or month
- For one off tasks periodically
Join our team
Working with other volunteers is a fun and rewarding experience.
