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Volunteer Guide/Blacksmith

Organisation:

Nicol's Blacksmith Historic Trust

Category:

Art & Craft

Hours:

Evenings/Weekends

Locations:

Oamaru

Join the team in bringing the fascinating story of Nicol’s Blacksmith Shop to life! This role is perfect for someone who enjoys chatting with people and sharing stories from our past. As a volunteer guide, you’ll welcome visitors, share the rich history of the site, and when possible, lead short 5–10 minute tours of the forge while the blacksmiths demonstrate their craft.

Why Nicol’s Blacksmith Historic Trust Matters:
Nicol’s is one of the rare surviving blacksmith shops from 19th-century Otago. The site captures a vital chapter in New Zealand’s transport and trade history — from shoeing horses and repairing carts to adapting for the arrival of motor vehicles. The shop itself, along with its original tools and forge, offers a vivid window into the working life of early blacksmiths and the evolution of technology and architecture over time.

As a guide, you’ll help visitors experience this legacy firsthand, and your passion will play a key role in preserving and celebrating our shared heritage.

This role will suit someone who is:

  • Warm, friendly, and confident talking to visitors
  • Interested in history, heritage, or traditional trades
  • Reliable and enjoys being part of a supportive team
  • Enthusiastic about learning and storytelling

Benefits of Volunteering:

  • Be part of a welcoming and passionate volunteer team
  • Gain experience in heritage tourism and public engagement
  • Learn more about traditional blacksmithing and local history
  • Enjoy the satisfaction of connecting people with the past

Requirements

Able to get to Duntroon.

Time commitment

  • A day a month on a roster.
  • Weekends only, from Labour Weekend to Queen’s Birthday Weekend
  • 10am – 3pm

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 2042


Enquire about this role:

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Demographic information:
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