Volunteers
The success and smooth operation of this event would not be possible without the dedication and support of our volunteer crew.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 CREW!
We believe this is an amazing opportunity to come together to be part of something great! You will get to share experiences, develop skills, meet people from all walks of life and build lasting relationships.
How you can contribute to the trek for life
We are still really hoping that many of you will choose to Volunteer and help us pull this huge event off - as they say, “Many hands make light work!”
Volunteer - $100 – is for those of you volunteering and potentially driving a vehicle for TFL. You will be an integral part of our team that ensures the Trek runs smoothly and that our Camp town shifts smoothly every day!
Please note that the $100 volunteer fee is just our way of ensuring that you attend (unfortunately we have had people sign up to attend and simply not show up). It will be refunded to you in “trek money” on Arrival Day for you to spend at the likes of the Coffee Cart, the Bar, Massages or Contact Care services - so in the end you are not paying anything to attend.
Here is a Brief overview of some of the key jobs we need Volunteers for:
Wranglers
Under your team leader you will be responsible for the set up and breaking down of the communal horse paddocks, setting up and packing away the horse wash, making sure horse feed is available, assisting with water supply to the horse troughs and other horse-care tasks such as feeding out hay if necessary.
Skills required:
Moderate strength and fitness
Good attitude!
Note: Horse experience/handling is not necessary. You may find yourself around horses but we will not ask you to handle them unless it’s an emergency!
Fuel Stop
Our lovely, dedicated volunteers, Ringi and Janice, leave the camp in the morning and head to the lunch stop. They provide cold drinks, hot water for tea and coffee, bring the toilets, and other little bits and pieces to make the halfway break enjoyable.
Skills required:
Organised and able to take directions
Able to make the best of all situations
Great with people
First Aid Certificate or experience is an advantage
Camping Package
There are two teams in charge of the tents!
Team 1 is responsible for the 2 large Dorm tents
Team 2 is responsible for the Dome tents (up to 20)
Camping Packages need to be set up once Camp town has arrived at the new location each afternoon, with luggage left in the aisle of the Dorm Tents and in the doorways of the numbered Dome Tents.
Each morning, this all needs to be packed away, tents broken down and loaded onto the designated truck, along with the trekkers luggage to travel to the next stop.
Skills required:
Moderate level of fitness - able to carry up to 20kg as some trekkers pack the kitchen sink
Able to work as part of a team
Knowledge of tents is an advantage
Marshalls
These people are the eyes and ears of the Committee, and are the main support network for the trekkers. Our Horse Marshalls are stationed at designated points along the route to provide information to trekkers, for example where there may be a hazard, and they relay information back to the Route Manager. Bike Marshalls carry water, and the Media Team, and travel along the route to provide assistance.
Skills required:
A great people person!
Ability to think clearly in crisis situations
Knowledge of road safety and hazard identification/management
An understanding of maps and radio communication is also handy
Please note that these positions are usually already filled as this is a very important job!
Rubbish
As one of our tikanga is “leave nothing but footprints behind” this is a key job. This team is responsible for the management and disposal of the camps rubbish in order to ensure that the landowners and the communities we travel through would want us to return. The team is responsible for distributing rubbish bags, ensuring bins and recycling collection areas are maintained and asked to encourage trekkers to think sustainably and to keep their areas clean.
Skills required:
Able to work as part of a team
Clean, green mindset
Willing to get your hands dirty
Night Watch
Owl eyes! To horses owners - this is one of the most important jobs of the week! This team is responsible for watching over the communal horse paddocks while they (and their riders) recoup, maintaining the curfew, and being alert for any signs of distress or danger. The night will be divided into rotating shifts and you will be rostered on in pairs. We definitely don’t expect you to stay up all night!
Skills required:
Knowledge of handling people and horses
Ability to stay awake and alert
Night vision is a bonus!
Night Watch are not expected to deal with horses - if there is an issue we ask that one of you stay to watch and the other alerts the Head Wrangler or the Trustees.
Marquee
This is the heart of the camp. The Marquee is where we all gather! You will be responsible for transporting, assembling and dismantling the large Marquee and all associated equipment (tables, chairs, lighting etc.)
Skills required:
Physically fit - able to carry heavy loads, swing a sledgehammer and lift things
Able to work well in a team
Problem solving skills and a “get it done” attitude is great
Equipment
If the Marquee is the heart of the camp then the Equipment is the blood and veins! This includes the showers, toilets, caravans/trailers, generators, lights, pumps, water (dishwashing and toothbrushing facilities) etc. You are responsible for transporting, assembling and dismantling the gear and hopefully fixing it if something goes wrong!
Skills required:
Team player
Physically capable - some heavy lifting may be required
Plumbing/electrical/mechanical knowledge is a bonus
Ability to think on your feet and get the job done
Why you should volunteer
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and communities to volunteer with us for a range reasons, including to:
get to know the local community and give something back;
feel part of a team/whanau/community;
explore areas of the country you may not normally travel;
push outside your comfort zone;
make a positive impact on peoples’ lives;
gain new skills, knowledge and experiences;
use and develop existing skills in varied and rewarding roles;
improve health, well-being, confidence and self-esteem;
meet new people from a range of backgrounds and ages and create lasting friendships;
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a Volunteer for the Trek for Life Aotearoa/NZ Charitable Trust you have the responsibility to:
be honest about your expectations and abilities;
take part in the orientation/induction process for your role on arrival;
work in a safe and healthy environment, and be given health and safety information relevant to your role;
be reliable, punctual and take initiative - many hands make light work!
be accountable, perform your role to the best of your ability and ask for help when you need it;
follow organisational policies and procedures;
voice your opinion to the Trustees/your Team Leader and have input on ways in which your role might be performed better;
be open-minded and respectful of others opinions;
participate in a manner that does not endanger either yourself or others, and understand that the Trustees/Event Organisers may ask me to leave should my behaviour or actions be unacceptable.