Southern Islands Quarantine Store - maintenance

Project number: 4
Location: Invercargill

Dates

October 2024 - April 2025

Several days throughout the season, volunteers will be contacted when required

Description

New Zealand’s subantarctic islands/Ngā Moutere O Murihiku Ki Tonga remain among the few relatively pristine groups of islands in the world. They contain a diverse, unique and vulnerable range of plants and wildlife surviving in a harsh environment. They have the highest level of protection as National Nature Reserves and individually have World Heritage Area status.

Each visit brings with it threats including weeds, rodents, pathogens, fire and disturbance. The team at the Southern Islands Quarantine Store plays an important part in ensuring that all visitors (researchers, scientists, film crews and DOC staff), their personal gear, hut supplies and any work equipment and building materials go through a stringent quarantine process prior to departing for the subantarctic and outlying Islands.

There will be a variety of tasks to suit everyone, including cleaning gear that has returned from trips – steam-cleaning fish bins, washing the quarantine van and trailer and general cleaning and maintenance around the facility. There may also be an opportunity at times to assist with the quarantine process before trips head south – training will be provided.

What to expect

Fitness/skill level

Volunteers will be on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to bend, lift and carry items around the store.

Accommodation

Volunteers will need to be based in the Southland region; accommodation is not provided.

Pickup/drop-off location and times

Meet at the Southern Islands Quarantine Store, 65A Eye Street, Invercargill. Dates and times will be confirmed with the successful applicants as required.

Contribution towards food and transport

There is no charge for this activity. However, volunteers will need to make their own travel arrangements to and from the quarantine store in Invercargill and provide their own food.