Project Island Song Volunteer Hub

Join us for Wednesday Weedbusting

 

Let’s get weeding!

We're looking for keen individuals to come and help us on island weeding expeditions to keep on top of the invasive weeds that threaten the restoring native habitats of the islands.

 

Our Weedbusting volunteers are the front line in preventing the spread of invasive weeds on Ipipiri.

Weedbusting is a great way to get out into the Bay of Islands, assist with the work that Project Island Song is doing and become immersed in the environment. Nature needs you!

 

Wednesday Weedbusting is a great social event from 8.30am until 3.15pm, come along, meet people and see the impact that you individually can make.

 

What you can expect:

Weeding can be a physically demanding task. Uprooting, pulling, sawing and poisoning are some of the tasks required in this role. This is often carried out in muddy conditions (swamps) and on steep hard to reach hillsides.

 

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

 

Weeding equipment:

• We can supply weeding equipment for you to use, to ensure your safety this is cleaned after each session
• Or you can bring your own weeding equipment, but please 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, if you prefer to use your own
• 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
• Small towel – useful to dry feet as we have beach landings and feet get wet

 

What not to bring – Biosecurity:

The biosecurity risk on weeding trips is high. It is important that we showcase how to protect the islands pest-free status – weeding 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 boots, 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 mainland.

 

Prior to boarding you will be required to brush and spray your shoes; the brushes and spray will be provided by Project Island Song at the wharf.

 

 

 

Health & Safety:

• Covid-19: Please stay home if you or any household member are feeling unwell or are showing any symptoms of Covid-19.  
• Weedbuster 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:

We will be heading out on Mārara, the Project Island Song workboat. Spaces are limited so sign up early.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Departure to the Islands – please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure:

• 8.30am Departing Kororāreka Russell Wharf
• 8.45am Departing Paihia Wharf

 

Returning from the Islands:

• 3.00pm Arrival at Paihia Wharf
• 3.15pm Arrival at Kororāreka Russell Wharf

 

If you have your own boat, you can meet us on the islands, just sign up to the ‘no transport required’ option. We will then let you know where and when to meet the team.

 

Keen to sign up?

Spaces are limited and we like to fill as many as possible to ensure the maximum number of weeds are busted and the expedition is viable! So please ensure you register for a shift in your volunteer hub!

 

If we must 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