Tavora Reserve Planting
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).
Help the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust plant eco-sourced seedlings at Tavora Reserve to increase biodiversity, support waterway health, and improve habitat. They are seeking groups of 15-30 people for a weekday planting in August 2026.
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.
Requirements
- Willingness to work outdoors and follow health and safety guidance
- Ability to lift and carry plants and tools as required
- Enthusiasm for conservation and teamwork
- Sturdy footwear, warm, waterproof clothes, sun protection, gloves
- Food and water
- Own transport
- Minimum time commitment of 3 hours, 10am-1pm