Rotorua DoC needs volunteers as dumped rubbish plagues organisation

Members of the New Zealand Navy volunteered at Rerewhakaaitu.

The Department of Conservation office in Rotorua is desperate for more volunteers as illegal rubbish dumping continues to plague the organisation.

Community ranger supervisor Barbara Curtis said on one occasion six abandoned cars were found on DoC land behind Mamaku, costing the department thousands of dollars to remove.

Curtis said while volunteers weren't required to do critical work, and all the tracks in the area were up to standard, the volunteers added value.

Carol Patterson has been volunteering with the Department of Conservation for four years.

"It's about getting people to give us a hand and also about getting ownership and looking after your own backyard," Curtis said.

"It gives the public the opportunity to put something back into the environment."

Community ranger Catherine Noble said there were countless opportunities for volunteers and something for everyone.

A trailer load of rubbish was collected from Mangapouri Scenic Reserve. Photo / Supplied

"There are visitor surveys, bird surveys, volunteer upskilling, and track maintenance. Pest control is a big one."

Curtis said more awareness needed to be raised about illegally dumped rubbish.

She said if the rubbish could be traced back to an individual the Department of Conservation often sought to press charges. She encouraged anyone who saw someone dumping rubbish to observe it, take note and contact the department.

Noble said the many hands of volunteers made light work. Earlier in March six members of the New Zealand Navy spent the day working at Rerewhakaaitu, achieving much more than one ranger could alone.

Noble encouraged those keen to get involved in volunteering to get in touch.

"People might start walking and think, how can we help? Then there are people that look to volunteer because that's who they are."

Members of the New Zealand Navy volunteered at Rerewhakaaitu. Photo / Supplied

She said while all the tracks in the region were up to scratch, they may not all look the same due to the different grades of tracks.

"A back country trail wouldn't look like Okere Falls."

Volunteer of four years, Carol Patterson said volunteering was good for the soul.

"I'm passionate about the outdoors and like being outdoors." she said.

"You meet all sorts of people and build up friendships. It's good to be outside and it's very good for the soul."

Patterson has helped monitor birds, population counts and does work on Mokoia Island, visiting it at least once a month.

Another volunteering opportunity allows individuals or groups to adopt a track to look after for at least 12 months.

They go out at least once a quarter to maintain tracks.

Curtis said, while some forms of volunteering include planting and clearing trails, it wasn't all hard work.

"Volunteering can be a buzz. It's social and fun."

Volunteer opportunities:
- April 6: Mangorewa track maintenance and illegal rubbish collection.
- April 20: Rotoiti Scenic Reserve maintenance.
- Throughout May: General maintenance in Te Kopia Scenic Reserve and Okere Falls.