05/03/2026
🌿 VOLUNTEER FIELD DAY * SAT 7 MAR * LIMITED SPACES 🌿
This is a hands-on conservation opportunity for those passionate about protecting our taonga species.
Deep in Pureora lives one of Aotearoa’s rarest plants - the Dactylanthus taylorii - Te Pua o te Reinga, the Flower of the Underworld - growing in delicate relationship with its pollinator, the Pekapeka - the short-tailed bat.
We are opening a small number of spaces for volunteers to join a guided field visit into a protected ecological area within Pureora Forest Park, guided by Dactylanthus expert and Pekapeka photographer David Mudge.
Both these species are highly vulnerable and they need real care and kaitiakitanga.
On this day you will...
🌿 Learn about Dactylanthus biology and its unique ecology
🌿 Understand the relationship between forest health and bat survival
🌿 See how predator control networks (A24 traps) protect fragile ecosystems
🌿 Walk through mature podocarp forest identifying native species and birdlife
🌿 Gain insight into practical restoration work in action
You will be guided by experienced conservation specialist and PRS member Selwyn June. This is a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of ecological restoration in a real, working environment.
⚠️ Spaces are strictly limited. We are keeping numbers small to protect the site and ensure minimal disturbance.
If you are interested in becoming an active kaitiaki - we invite you to register your interest.
Please comment below with KAITIAKI or email us direct via:
[email protected]
NOTE:
🌿 Transport: We will car pool as much as possible.
🌿 Clothing & footwear: Volunteers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. We’ll have to walk through some scrubland otherwise along forest paths. Sunday will be an alternative day if it is too wet on the Saturday.
🌿 Kai: Volunteers will need to bring their own food and drink
