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NZ dotterel protection - Waiheke Island, Rock Bay

Provider: Auckland Council

Region: Auckland

Duration

Until 8 March 2011

Description

NZ Dotterel Protection on Waiheke Island. Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island welcomes people who would like to be involved with protecting one of NZs rarest but least shy birds, the northern NZ Dotterel. These birds lay their eggs directly into a shell scrape on the beach and are therefore very vulnerable to their eggs being eaten by introduced predators such as rats, hedgehogs, stoats and cats and to being disturbed by humans.

Volunteers would be responsible for checking and refilling 750 bait stations around the park which contain the rat poison, and must also be willing to check, rebait and reset the traps which catch and kill predators daily. Full training will be given but you will need to be willing to handle and dispose of live and dead animals. You will also become involved in the advocacy work which is spending time on the beach chatting to the public about the dotterels and their behaviours, discouraging them from picnicking next to the birds and so on. This is especially important in the holiday season from Christmas to the end of February. You will also be involved in keeping an eye on the dotterels themselves and how their nests are progressing. There will also be work involved in maintaining fences and removing rubbish from the beach area as well as weed control in the beach areas.

Waiheke Island is a half hour ferry ride away from the centre of Auckland. Despite it being the home of many commuters, it has a definite feel of its own with a strong community spirit, lots of art and other interesting initiatives happening and all the residents are very friendly and relaxed. It has great cafes and beaches and is ideal for volunteers without their own car, as there are frequent buses and short distances ideal for cycling if you don't mind the odd hill!

Accommodation is next to the Ranger base with access to kitchen, bathroom and washing machine. Unfortunately we cannot provide food but can help with things like driving you to the supermarket and pickups and drop offs to the ferry.

The project's main workload is from the end of August to the end of January.  Because of the training involved, we need you to commit for a minimum of 2 weeks ( though we will give preference to those who can stay longer) and we would expect you to do 4-5 hours a day. Accomodation provided: Yes. Tent or caravan.

You will need to cater for yourself however there are full facilities at the park including shower and kitchen. The park is somewhat isolated being a 30 minute walk to the bus stop.  You will need to commit yourself for at least one month to be considered for this position.  The breeding season begins in August and ends in February for the dotterel and bird protection work and you are expected to work a minimum of 4 hours a day.  Outside these times there is much work at the park maintaining tracks, plantings and park infrastructure that we need volunteers for.

Visuals

Skills required

Some knowledge of conservation. Ability to work outside and keep accurate records

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