Meet a volunteer series

Summer Vaughan embodies the essence of resilience and determination, nurtured by her upbringing on the farm. Passionate about conservation and predator control, a nature lover and tree hugger at heart, Summer is resourceful and always up for new challenges. Summer's unwavering spirit shines bright and has led her to an internship with the Karioi Project, undertaking part-time ranger tasks.

💚 Why did you join the Karioi Project? 

I was at school, stuck on what to do with my life as I wasn't enjoying being at school. I needed something to put my energy towards that I was passionate about, and I could do it by still being marked present at school lol. One of my core values is sustaining Papatuanuku. I feel that because she gives so much to us, why not return that favour because without her I would literally not exist. I knew there were heaps of study options available for a pathway in conservation, but I realised it would likely lead me to a more office-based job rather than working outdoors (I value working outdoors, as I feel my best, and at home there). I was kind of stuck on what to do from that realisation, but one day I was scrolling on Facebook, and a post by the Karioi Project popped up on my feed. I was like “Hey! That sounds like a really good cause to volunteer for and is just what I've been looking for as I would be working outdoors, and caring for Papatuanuku.”. I feel the cherry on top was also that it was in Whāingaroa, and I feel extremely at home here. So I think I messaged Kristel, and then Jasmine organised some voluntary work I could do, and from there I’ve been volunteering and loving it every day since. This led to my role as an intern.

🧡 What do you enjoy about your internship?

I love the practicality of it. Setting traps is one of the only practical actions we can do at the moment to help the earth thrive, as there are so many pests around! Another reason I love doing this work is because I see it as a meditative practice. While I am up in the ngahere, I get to check in with my current state, and reflect on what is and isn't serving me. Also, just being in nature also makes me appreciate my aliveness, so I enjoy volunteering to come back to that.

💜 In what way are you involved with the project?

In a variety of ways! The most common is setting predator-control traps on traplines. My favourite traps to set are either the DOC200s stoat traps or the Flipping Timmys for possums. I also join in on the bait deploy days which is replacing the bait in bait stations to help control the pests. I have recently helped with species monitoring, by putting out wax tags in certain areas of Karioi, so we can see what species are where, and how to best manage them. I’ve recently spent more time monitoring and trapping around the ōi burrows too.

💛 How do you spend your time outside of this role?

Apart from my part-time work at Dreamview Creamery, I love to do any creative practice; dancing; being in and exploring nature; surfing; and cooking/baking. I love a good book too. I also love to spend time with those who matter to me, like close friends and family. 

❤️ What keeps you motivated?

Probably that I know I am making a difference in sustaining nature by volunteering for the Karioi Project. As it has been a dream of mine to take practical action to care for Papatuanuku. I remind myself that if the land thrives, so will the people, and else everything with loving intent that exists on earth.

🤎 How do you think we can encourage other young people to volunteer?

Hmmm… I feel for more youth to volunteer in general, the way to go about it is to find what they're passionate about, and then find a cause that aligns with those passions. That's how I began volunteering for the Karioi Project. However, to encourage more people to get involved with the Karioi Project specifically, I would say the people you’ll meet and the sights you’ll see are unforgettable (in a good way). Each time I am out there, I find a beautiful view, plant, bird, or experience. So, I guess it's good to know that you will always have a positive experience while volunteering with the Karioi Project, no matter the task. 

💙 What's your favourite native plant and bird?

I have loved kererū from a young age so they will always be one of my favourites. Recently, tūi has been showing up in my life when I've been stuck on what to do, or unsure I am on the right path. They are symbols of harmony with the universe, so they are my current favourite as they reassure me that I am aligned with my highest self. I also love tūi because of their birdsong, colouring, and white ‘tuff’ by their throat. For native plants, I admire kahikatea trees. Especially because I imagine they are very playful and light-hearted. I love their berries/koroī, their shape, and their leaves.