International volunteers help preserve kiwi wildlife

International volunteers help preserve kiwi wildlife

Rotorua’s Rainbow Springs is one of New Zealand’s Tourism icons, so it’s no wonder that it’s attracting the interest of international volunteers, who are proving to be essential in the running and on-going operation of the native wildlife park.

Rainbow Springs offers unique wildlife experiences and amazing personal interactions with native species like the kea, kiwi and tuatara; one of the main reasons international volunteers like German traveller Kira are flocking to help at the park.

Kira is a passionate conservationist and has volunteered in many countries, but says discovering Rainbow Springs’ Volunteering programme has been life changing.

"Volunteering is a great chance to try something new and fulfil a dream - without a university degree! When I arrived in New Zealand earlier this year, I was so lucky to find Rainbow Springs and volunteer here," Kira says. "I've been able witness a Kiwi being released back into the wild, which literally made my heart cry with joy! It’s the most beautiful thing to give an endangered animal its freedom back."

Rainbow Springs is the perfect place for international volunteers to experience New Zealand’s history. It’s the largest kiwi hatching facility in the country and successfully incubates and hatches brown kiwi eggs from around the North Island.

Staff at Rainbow Springs are all dedicated to looking after the kiwi and are passionate about the work they do, but say they couldn’t exist without the generosity of volunteers' time.

Rainbow Springs Sales & Marketing Manager, Michelle Caldwell says, "Volunteers really are vital to keeping the park running smoothly, from helping with the busy hatching programme, to feeding baby tuatara, it’s wonderful to work with volunteers like Kira who give up so much of their time, and are also passionate about our many projects."

To volunteer at Rainbow Springs or sponsor a kiwi go to www.rainbowsprings.co.nz for more information.

Rainbow Springs is an icon of NZ tourism, and has been open since 1932. Spread over 22 acres of Rotorua Parkland, Rainbow Springs is a conservation and breeding haven for endangered species like the Kiwi and tuatara. Features of the award winning tourist attraction include New Zealand’s only “open to view” Kiwi hatchery, and a range of wildlife including trout, tuatara and native birds.

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