Te Tautiaki Hoiho, The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust manage numerous reserves across Otago where hoiho nest or come ashore: Tavora in Waitaki; four on the Otago Peninsula including Okia; and Irahuka Long Point in the Catlins. Their strategy is to prevent harmful encroachment onto hoiho habitat by legally protecting the land as reserves. Today, the organisation manages over 1000 acres of land along Aotearoa's coast. As guardians of these sites, they are responsible for ensuring these coastal habitats are a flourishing safe haven for hoiho.
Tavora Reserve near Palmerston is an important Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust restoration site where decades of native planting have helped transform land once heavily modified by intensive farming into habitat for endangered hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins).
The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust are holding a Community Planting Day to plant eco-sourced seedlings at Tavora Reserve on Thursday 27th August 2026, to increase biodiversity, support waterway health, and improve habitat.
Tasks involve digging holes, planting trees and installing plant guards. There is a short 5-10 minute walk to the planting site. A morning tea will be provided.
The planting will be postponed in extreme weather.
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: 2975
Conservation