Many of you will know Kirstie who has been leading the Education and Volunteer Programme since June last year. Unfortunately for us, Kirstie has decided to complete her contract and head off travelling in July 2025 after delivering this winter's Floating Classrooms.

Therefore, we are now seeking a new Education & Volunteer Lead/Coordinator to join our team.

This exciting role is responsible for coordinating and leading Project Island Song's learning and volunteering programmes. Being able to demonstrate a high level of innovation and enthusiasm to motivate, support, and inspire others to get involved in our work is essential. The post holder will need to communicate well with a range of people and will be able to demonstrate their ability and passion for people and wildlife.

We are looking for someone who is equally happy whether they are in front of a class of tamariki, putting in the mahi alongside our volunteers, or keeping everything running smoothly from the office.

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please head to our Careers page to find out more!

Last week we were excited to launch our second ever online raffle, with another chance to win an unbelievable stay at Eagles Nest, plus the addition of two further fantastic prizes this year.

1st prize: A 2-night luxury stay in Eagles Nest's beautiful Sacred Space villa just outside Russell, with up to 7 of your friends and whānau, worth $7,900.

2nd prize: Private sunset yacht charter in the Bay of Islands with Cool Change Charters, for up to 6 people including a delicious platter.

3rd prize: A nature-inspired Flax light pendant, by internationally-renowned designer David Trubridge.

It's been an amazing first week of ticket sales, and we're delighted to see so many people getting involved in this! The funds raised from initiatives like this raffle are increasingly important for the future of the project.

Buying some tickets, and encouraging your friends and whānau to do the same, is a great way to contribute to the restoration of Ipipiri and thriving of our native species, while also giving you the chance to win some awesome treats!

Tickets are just $20 each or 3 for $50 and easy to buy from the comfort of your couch, through our website.

We have got lots of volunteer activities happening out on the islands in the next couple of months, and would love you to get involved.

Weedbusting - multiple Wednesdays and Saturdays

Thanks to funding from WWF-New Zealand Community Conservation Fund and the Lottery Community fund, we have been able to schedule in regular Weedbusting dates for much of the year ahead, including weekend dates for the first time.

Pest plant control is a vital part of allowing the bush to regenerate naturally. Our weedbusting trips are a social experience, and a great way to explore different parts of the islands.

Planting - Sunday 25th May

Our annual planting day is scheduled for Sunday 25th May 2025, continuing the planting project that we have been working on for the past couple of years at Urupukapuka Bay.

It's always a great occasion, and you are welcome to join us on our booked transport, or get yourself there in your own boat. Please ensure you register to let us know that you're coming either way.

Thanks to Tom Lindesay for heading up our planting programme, and Trees That Count for covering the cost of all the plants again this year.

Hui attendees outside Te Rawhiti Marae. Photo by Rana Rewha.

In January, we held a hui at Te Rawhiti Marae to discuss the Ecological Restoration Plan for Ipipiri. When completed, the plan will be a guide for Project Island Song's work for the next 20 years and beyond.

The hui pulled together incredible skillsets and knowledge and enabled some good conversations to take place. The plan is still very much a draft, and the information provided from the hui, post-hui and conversations moving forward will be captured and themed.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken part and continues to be interested in the future of these taonga islands and wider eastern Bay of Islands.

Exotic caulerpa has now been found on the seabed at Paroa Bay, as well as multiple locations off Urupukapuka, Moturua, Poroporo, and Motukiekie (map here).

Please ensure you check your anchor, chain, and gear for any signs of seaweed before moving around the bay, and report any sightings. Find out more here.

Back in January, we were delighted to be joined by Andrew Golightly of MWIS Lawyers at Russell RSA to share insight into including a charitable gift in your will.

Even a small percentage of your estate could make a huge difference for the future of local wildlife. If you missed the session, you can find out more on our website here.

A big thanks goes again to the NorthTec Environmental Science students and their Senior Lecturer/Kaiako Kat Goddard.

This year, the team completed some wētāpunga monitoring (pictured), some weed mapping on the islands, which will assist us in planning and prioritising our weedbusting trips, and some pāteke monitoring, amongst other work.

Monday 21st April (Easter Monday) will be Explore's Easter Fun Day at Otehei Bay, with all sorts of free family activities taking place (think egg and spoon races, sandcastle competitions, tug of war, and more).

Some of the Project Island Song team and volunteers will be there to talk about the project, and provide our own fun family-friendly games and activities. Come and say hi!