Life on remote island unique
Raoul Island is one of New Zealand’s most isolated locations - but DOC rangers highly recommend the experience.
The Department of Conservation has been seeking applicants to work on Raoul.
Raoul Island is the largest in the Kermadec Islands Nature and Marine Reserve at 3000 hectares and is located around 1100 km north-east of the North Island.
The Trade Me job description states you don’t have to have worked for DOC before, but you will need to have proven back country experience.
You’ll also need a high level of fitness in rugged terrain and experience living in an isolated situation.
Whangarei-based Biodiversity Ranger for DOC Neil Forrester spent 18 months on the Island as a project manager between 2013 and 2015.
‘‘I loved it and I am applying to go back. It’s an amazing place.’’
DOC carries out a number of monitoring activities on the pestfree island for the MET Service and the Geological Nuclear Sciences (GNS) including launching weather balloons and recording sunlight hours.
The team is also tasked with weed control, which requires regular grid searching of the island.
Volcanic, water and air samples are also taken by the team.
‘‘I recommend it if you can handle the remoteness,’’ Forrester says.
‘‘You make really close bonds with the team.’’
Forrester says there is normally a team of four core staff, with other agencies visiting on occasion. Volunteers can also complete short stints on Raoul.
Food and supplies are made via air drops by the Air Force and the team is transported from New Zealand to the island by a Navy ship or charter boat.
Raoul Island facilities are powered by solar panels with back-up diesel generators and satellite internet.
Whangarei’s Cindy Smith also worked for DOC on Raoul Island managing the weed programme.
‘‘It was such a privilege. We worked hard but also had a lot of fun.
‘‘We would be out grid searching four out of five days for weeds, they would spread fast through the forest canopy.’’
The biggest risk on Raoul Island is the isolation, Smith says.
The new team will depart for Raoul Island in March 2017 after extensive training.