Project Island Song Volunteer Hub

Join us for our planting day on Urupukapuka

 Sunday 25 May 2025, WITHOUT boat transport provided

Planting season is almost upon us.

So far, with the generosity of everyone who has adopted a tree, Project Island Song has planted over 41,000 native trees. These trees help restore the native habitat, provide food and shelter to the wildlife and help the islands of Ipipiri flourish.

Can you help us plant even more?

We’re looking for volunteers to join our planting day on Urupukapuka. Spaces are limited and all volunteers will need to sign up via the volunteer hub. Please contact us directly at volunteer@projectislandsong.co.nz if you wish to bring children under 16.

What you can expect:

Planting can be a physically demanding task a moderate level of fitness is required as some planting is on valley slopes, some plant carrying is involved, and there could be some walking between planting sites.

But you’ll be visiting and can learn about some of the most beautiful islands in New Zealand, meet new people and hopefully having some fun!

Planting equipment:

• We have some spades available for you to use.
• If you have your own spade, please bring it, but ensure that it is clean and does not pose any biosecurity risks e.g. weed seeds, plant diseases, Argentine ants, plague skinks.

What to bring:

• Your own gardening gloves
• Clothing and footwear suitable for weeding – sturdy shoes/boots, durable clothing
• Rain jacket for the boat journey
• Sunhat and sunblock
• Drinking water
• Lunch and snacks in sealed containers

What not to bring – Biosecurity:

The biosecurity risk on planting trips is high. It is important that we showcase how to protect the islands pest-free status – planting equipment and clothing must be cleaned and checked for biosecurity risks prior to leaving the mainland.

Before departing the mainland please ensure you have completed and follow the biosecurity checklist.

Thank you for helping to keep the islands pest-free by:

• Checking and cleaning off any dirt and weed seeds on equipment, shoes, clothing and bags before leaving home.

• Checking, packing and zipping up your bags before leaving the mainland. Please note: no open bags/containers will be allowed.
• If you are bringing buckets these must be clean, checked and sealed prior to leaving the 

Prior to boarding you will be required to brush and spray your shoes to help prevent the spread of Kauri dieback, if you don’t have spray the team can provide you some when you arrive. 

Health & Safety:

• Volunteer Health and Safety Checklist and emergency procedures – please read and follow. The checklist is available in the Project Island Song Volunteer Hub document library
• Communicating incidents – please report any incidents, accidents, hazards, or near misses. The incident reporting form and more information on how to report an incident is available in the Project Island Song Volunteer Hub document library

Getting to and from the Islands:

This option is without boat transport provided, so you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the islands and meet the team there. Please ensure you are at Urupukapuka Bay by 11am.

If you require boat transport from Paihia or Russell please assign yourself to Urupukapuka Planting - with boat transport provided.

Keen to sign up?

Spaces are limited so please ensure you register in your volunteer hub

If we have to cancel a volunteering shift (due to weather etc.), we will try to give you as much notice as possible. Please make sure your contact details are up to date in your volunteering profile