TOSSI – Conservation helps to age well

The regular volunteers at Tossi are a mixed bunch. You will find people from all sorts of backgrounds and current lifestyles, but what they all have in common is a desire to work in nature, give back to the community and be part of restoring the native habitat so our native animals can flourish.

Regular contributors commit to a wide variety of jobs such as checking traplines, monitoring wildlife, checking trail camera footage, fixing structures, weeding, nurturing plants and planting. There is something for anyone who’s inspired to help out.

Around 21 percent of Kiwis volunteer in Aotearoa, many of an age where they finally have time to give back, but that is not to say you need to be retired to contribute. Many still work part-time and some have full-time commitments. This means that everyone can do their bit, in their own way, to contribute to the greater good, whatever their age or life circumstances.

I have been lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time with the team at the nursery. Here, they collect seeds, germinate them and nurture them until it is time to plant them. Then we have another regular crew that heads out into the park to fix and build stiles, fences, steps and boardwalks. In addition, there are teams to monitor the takahē, geckos, wētāpunga, pāteke, kiwi and so on.

One thing that really hits you when you meet our volunteers – they are all ageing well. Many are in their 70s and 80s. They are fit, healthy, strong, energetic and happy. Working in nature can do that for you.

Inspired by this week’s Ageing Well feature, I asked the nursery team to reflect on their own motivations to volunteer for Tossi and several themes emerged. Everyone said it was good to work with like-minded people and the camaraderie that goes with that. Learning new skills was also high on the list – “growing the plants, learning about the native trees and the birds” (Ngaio).

Others commented that gaining a sense of pride was important: “Seeing the results of what you have done and the trees you plant produce food for the native birds” (Susan); “I feel like I’m doing something positive” (Jill). Some felt a need to help redress the balance of what we’ve taken from nature: “My ancestors thought nature was infinite, we know better now” (Sally); “I want to contribute to putting back the native flora and fauna that has been destroyed and leave a legacy for the future” (Peter).

Volunteering in conservation has many benefits. It is personally rewarding and a positive contribution to the community. It gives a sense of purpose, opens up a new social life, stimulates the brain, and keeps the body active and healthy. Finding a general sense of wellbeing by being out in the fresh air and having fun with others is most certainly one way to age well. If you are interested in joining us, contact me at news@tossi.org.nz