12 October 2006
by Sarah Chandler
Two days volunteering at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary doubled as a team-building exercise for a group of New Zealand Defence Force staff this month. About 50 uniformed and civilian staff from Personnel Branch and Personnel Archives (Trentham) gathered at Wellington’s unique haven for native forest and wildlife to assist Sanctuary staff with general duties on October 10 and 11. I joined the group on the first day.
Situated about two kilometres from the Wellington CBD, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary covers 220 hectares and is surrounded by about ten kilometres of predator-proof fence. It’s a mammal free environment that makes a safe haven for its birds and other wildlife (such as spotted kiwi and the tuatara) and Valley Manager Keith Calder told us it should have “no mammals in it from mice upwards”. The park has strict biosecurity rules and a single entry gate – ie, the way in is also the way out. Visitors are asked not to feed the animals or smoke in the park.
Keith said NZDF pers were there to help Sanctuary staff with the kinds of jobs they’d “have to do anyway”. We were split into two groups; one of six and the other of about 20 – the smaller group would rake and clear paths while the larger group set about removing non-native flora like sycamore and pine that can obstruct the progress of the native trees.
Colonel David Russell, who led the group on the first day, promised Sanctuary staff that we were “up for anything”. Senior HR Advisor Charlie O’Hara-Smith certainly appeared to be up for anything as he confidently wielded his spade in anticipation of the digging that lay ahead. Unfortunately Charlie’s spade broke on contact with the ground and he was left using his hands like the rest of us.
The weather oscillated wildly the day I was there and we were caught in a sudden hail storm just as we began our half hour walk to the Pylon Track. That particular climb revealed us to be in various states of fitness – the variation being more pronounced among the civilian staff. After several hours clearing the forest floor of sycamore and pine, provisions (morning tea and lunch) were requested over a walkie-talkie and were promptly delivered via quad bike.
Alfie the friendly Kaka sat on various heads picking out the oil it went on to use to preen its own feathers.
At the conclusion of the activity, Conservation Officer Neil Anderson took us on a tour of the Sanctuary which included a walk to the upper dam.
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a Charitable Community Trust and volunteers are essential to its continued success. Neil said the Defence Force effort was large enough to make a significant dent in work that needed to be done there, and that we'd made “real progress” tackling a labour intensive challenge.
Reflecting on the activity, Colonel David Russell said Personnel Branch appreciated the Sanctuary’s thanks for providing two days of community service, but “we’re actually the ones who gained from the experience. The opportunity to get out of the office, breathe in some fresh air and dodge the paper did us the world of good. This activity has been about building the team, breaking down barriers, and getting everyone to communicate in a less formal setting. This opportunity has achieved its objectives and has given us an opportunity to recharge in a positive team environment”.
Finance Administrator Val Sykes agreed with Col Russell that the day had brought staff closer. “We thoroughly enjoyed it - it was wonderful - we had some great laughs as we worked”.