Natucate
Volunteering New Zealand – Latifa
Latifa spent two weeks in magical New Zealand to help protect and conserve pristine natural areas. Here can learn more about her volunteer adventure
Profile
Name: Latifa
Age: 24
Project: Nature conservation in New Zealand
Locations: Auckland (Atiu Creek) and Waitaw in New Zealand
Duration: End of August until beginning of September 2019 – 2 weeks
Rating
Support from the Natucate-Team:
Arrival:
Project partner:
Accommodation:
Volunteering in New Zealand – Feedback: Six questions to Latifa
1) Could you give us a brief overview of your activities in the project?
In the project I worked in two places. The first week we went to Atiu Creek Regional Park where we planted dozens of trees and weeded. In the second week we were in Waitawa where we also planted trees, this time together with a school class. We have also helped the rangers with other tasks such as rebuilding walking tracks and making the trails safer for mountain bikers by cutting and removing branches and plants.
2) Was there something you liked most? Or something you remember particularly negatively?
Cooking together each night really created a bond between the team members. Moreover, I enjoyed the quiet evenings in front of the fireplace reading a good book. And not to forget the wonderful lambs that grazed just a few steps from the accommodation. It was truly an unforgettable and beautiful sight.
3) Did you have certain expectations before you travelled to the project?
I didn't have that many expectations so couldn’t get disappointed. I thought it was great that we could spend a weekend in the accommodation in Titirangi, so that we got to see more of Auckland. Visiting the regional parks was also great – as a tourist I probably wouldn't have got there. During these two weeks I got to know a very nice part of Auckland.
4) Have you done anything in your free time that you can recommend to future participants?
I highly recommend visiting Mount Eden, and also the islands around Auckland are great, like Devonport and Rangitoto Island.
5) What tips would you give to other participants?
Take good shoes with you :)
6) Can you estimate how many additional costs you had on site?
During the project I had almost no expenses. Only on the weekends, when going a trip, I spent money on buses and food.
