Become a HutReno NZ Volunteer
Our HutReno Volunteers are the backbone for any project getting off the ground. Our volunteer teams fill a crucial role in turning a scruffy hut into a hospitable positive experience for those who take shelter. Arriving at a hut that is inviting can lift the mood and moment of any exhausted traveller … especially if the weather or other circumstances have had a negative effect!
Tasks Include:
- Prepare and repaint a hut inside and/or outside
- Backup support for DOC staff where required
- Track clearing and marking
- Replenishing firewood
- General light repairs
- Canteen duties and tidy up work
Working under the direction of DOC means volunteers are excluded from using certain power tools. This priority will help minimise the possibility of risk or harm within a limited time frame where manual tasks are undertaken by volunteers. Volunteer work will not include structural repairs unless assisting the DOC ranger or agent in a support role.
What to Bring
When participating in a volunteer HutReno project it is important to know what to bring when tramping to and from the project site. This information also relates the duration of the project. The suggestions presented are a general outline (The information linked below is used with permission from the Howick Tramping Club in Auckland).
How many volunteers would be involved in each project?
This depends on the nature of each project, size of the hut and project logistics. However, volunteer numbers will be limited to a maximum of four to six individuals. Volunteers will be directly responsible to the HutReno project team leader, who in turn is accountable to the DOC ranger.
Are volunteers funded for their voluntary efforts?
Presently, volunteers are expected to fund their own participation, however depending on the nature of the project, DOC may provide some aspects of the volunteer’s involvement. Any changes to volunteer expectations will be clarified in a Project Profile. Moving forward, clarifying any financial contribution to volunteers is a matter for HutReno to work through.
Are there conditions to being a HutReno volunteer?
Yes, there is a General Rules of Conduct and a Code of Compliance for volunteers.
What does it mean to become a HutReno Volunteer?
As a volunteer, you’ll experience a sense of pride and reward for your hard work. You’ll experience the same satisfaction as other outdoor enthusiasts who will arrive at the hut and find it welcoming, functional and cared for. A volunteer’s dedication and effort are invaluable because their hard work extends the life of each hut. In this respect, the labour of love is deeply appreciated by DOC, the tramping community and other backcountry users.
Volunteer Tiers
There are seven different project categories:
1. Volunteer Team Supporters
- Preparation work
- Canteen duties
- Tidy up
- Documenting project details
2. Volunteer DIY Individuals
- General hut repairs
- Maintenance work
- Painting etc
3. Volunteer Trade Persons
- Assisting the DOC Ranger with individual responsibilities
- Project team leader of volunteers
- Assisting with new build, extensions or structural repairs
4. Repeat Volunteer
- An individual who volunteers more than once to a backcountry project
5. Project Team Leader
- Volunteer Project Coordinator
- Responsible to HutReno Director
- Planning, hands-on and DOC support person
6. Special Volunteer Event Projects
Projects would involve:
- Corporate, Company or Organizational
- Event/Sponsorship/Competition,
- Woman’s and/or Men’s Events,
- Youth Challenge etc.
- Project winners would inherit a coveted HutReno Trophy.
7. Volunteer Emergency Response Team
- A volunteer emergency response team is made up of individuals who act like a volunteer fire crew without being on the front line. They can be called upon when required and assemble on location within a given period of time.
- These HutReno volunteers would work alongside Doc officials or other emergency personal as back-up volunteer support workers. These volunteers may need basic training in disaster relief or other backcountry emergency situations. Each VERT would wear HutReno fluoro visibility jackets.
- An example of where these volunteers would be of value, is working in the wake of a devastating storm where several trees have blocked sections of popular tracks. While volunteers wouldn’t be using power tools, they would follow Doc staff in clearing the track. Giving practical assistance to Doc efforts to restore a damaged hut or shelter is another example.
What is a HutReno Project Profile?
A Project Profile provides details of a completed HutReno project once the adequate number of volunteers have registered their interest. A Project Profile will detail a range of important matters for volunteers to be fully informed ahead of time.
What is a HutReno Project Calendar?
A Project Calendar comprises possible up and coming HutReno backcountry project/s that are being discussed with DOC.
What information is needed for making an informed decision on becoming a backcountry volunteer?
In addition, from what is provided on this website, once a HutReno project is complete, a Project Profile will be emailed to each volunteer. Information on accommodation arrangements, meals, and all other details will be made available in full detail in this profile so that volunteers are kept well informed. Depending on the demand for HutReno services and time available, volunteers will be kept up to date throughout each project however a Project Profile will be the most effective way of complying and simplifying all the information required. The development of a HutReno App for communicating any Project Profile updates is being considered.
What is Motivational Self-Efficacy?
Your sense of self-efficacy plays a major role in how you approach goals, tasks and challenges.
Motivation to Participate
If you’d like to know more, be on our mailing list or just register your interest, please fill out this form and we’ll keep you in the loop of future initiatives.
Your Reason for Giving Back
There is no doubt that giving back will trigger a chain reaction where mutual respect and gratitude is defining of an individual’s value ethics.