The Valleys Project, a partnership between DOC and the NZ Nature Fund, offers companies and private individuals the chance to “Adopt a Valley” and make a lasting impact on New Zealand’s bird life through predator control in areas that previously had no protection.
“WM New Zealand has a policy where if you want to do volunteer work for any registered charity in New Zealand, you get half a day of paid leave,” Rosanna explains. While she used additional annual leave to extend her stay, that initial support from her employer provided the impetus to get involved in what has become a crucial conservation effort.
For Rosanna, a former DOC hut ranger at Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track who now works as a compliance coordinator, the project offered a perfect blend of purpose and adventure. Together with her partner, she spent two and a half days resetting approximately 240 traps and establishing new ones. These traps require servicing every six months, creating ongoing opportunities for volunteers to maintain their connection with the wilderness while contributing to conservation. “People have said they see a lot more wildlife up there now because of the trapping efforts,” she notes.
The Valleys Project’s philosophy centres on developing a sense of ownership among groups undertaking predator control in geographically distinct areas within the Conservation Estate. While initially focused on Fiordland valleys, the model has proven effective for engaging both corporate partners and individual volunteers. For businesses like Waste Management, it offers more than just environmental benefits.
“I think it gives a lot of worth to our efforts and reinforces the community feel of the company because you’re contributing back to the environment and about causes you care about. They care about more than just how many hours you work,” Rosanna reflects. She’s witnessed colleagues use similar opportunities to volunteer at food banks and participate in tree planting days, often continuing their involvement long after their paid volunteer leave. This aligns perfectly with the Valleys Project’s vision of creating long-term engagement with conservation efforts.
The project concluded with an adventurous exit via the mountain tops, complete with 30 centimetres of fresh snow – demonstrating the kind of challenging but rewarding experiences that make the Valleys Project unique. It’s exactly this combination of purpose and adventure that the project offers those seeking a connection with New Zealand’s wilderness areas.
When asked what she’d say to other companies considering similar policies, Rosanna emphasises the broader benefits: “It’s a great way to build goodwill and bonds within the community. Some people will organise like a day of tree planting or volunteer at the mission, and then they keep doing it because they’ve had that initial introduction through the half-day policy.”
This collaboration between corporate New Zealand and conservation efforts showcases how businesses can play a vital role in supporting environmental initiatives while fostering employee engagement with community service. Through policies like Waste Management’s volunteer leave program, combined with initiatives like the Valleys Project, employees are empowered to contribute their time and skills to crucial conservation projects across New Zealand, creating lasting positive impacts on our natural environment.
For those interested in getting involved, the Valleys Project offers multiple pathways to participation, from becoming a team member to sponsoring a trap or valley. Tax-deductible contributions through the NZ Nature Fund make it an attractive option for both corporate and individual supporters, while DOC’s oversight ensures all activities align with broader conservation strategies.
