Meet a volunteer series

The Karioi Project is so grateful to have such superstar volunteers in our community. Most of our volunteers, like Jasmine Edgar, are driven by a passion for the environment and a keen love of the outdoors. Jasmine has been volunteering for over 5 years after her kids got involved with our after-school Karioi Kids and Rangers programme. These days, she does a trapline every week and helps with anything that we throw her way! Meet Jasmine…

Nō hea koe? How long have you been in Raglan? What brought you here?

Nō Tāmaki Makaurau ao. I’ve lived in Raglan for nearly 7 years. We came here to get out of the city and be surrounded by nature and outdoor activities, surf, friends, bush and the great lifestyle for raising our kids.

How did you hear about the Karioi Project?

Our boys participated in the amazing Karioi Kids and Ranger programmes, and I was lucky enough to meet Kristel and Bexie, Amber, Annie and Val. Their infectious passion for the project inspired me to get involved. I reached out to become a volunteer and learned a trapline in the Upper Wainui Reserve. The boys came along and they loved it! We caught two mice in one trap, and they still talk about it to this day (note from editor: 5 years later! wow!). We also joined for an Ōi Night with the whole family, Gran too. That night we heard and saw ōi right next to the path to the beach. That was cool. Gran and the boys loved it.

Jasmine on her first-ever trapline run in 2016

How long have you been volunteering?

5 years! It was initially a great way to get out in the bush with the kids, and it’s become a lot more. It’s the perfect mix of bush time and my passion for conservation and predator control. I’m now thinking I’d like to study and up my skills.

How do you volunteer today?

I started checking shorter lines and now am completely obsessed. I try to get up the maunga at least weekly. It’s such a great way to get to know the local environment. I get to do a few lines with friends which is perfect catch-up time. I love going to the trap working bees and seeing such a variety of people getting stuck in and involved.

How do you spend your time outside of your volunteering?

I’m lucky to have my own online business, Sill Life. I sell indoor plants and ship them around the country as gifts and to green up people’s lives. Alongside this, I make ceramics which have been a longtime love. I’ve worked in the film industry as a costume stylist for about 23 years, which may explain my extensive Swandri and oilskin collection.

Do you do any other volunteering?

I volunteer at the Kokiri at the nursery potting up plants. And the community beach plantings with Coastcare and Stacey Hill.

What’s your favourite NZ bird? (Or favorite non-NZ bird?)

I’ve become more and more fascinated with seabirds and the extraordinary voyages they make. But I’d have to say the kererū as it reminds me of growing up at Waiheke. Something about their size, white feather pants and glorious iridescent colours.

Jasmine Edgar, a volunteer