Volunteers

The Friends of Eastwoodhill Association is a non-profit support organisation for Eastwoodhill Arboretum. The Friends are a dedicated bunch of volunteers who form the backbone of New Zealand's national arboretum.

Formed in 1989, the association has two objectives:

  • To extend general public awareness and knowledge of native and exotic flora.
  • To raise funds for the maintenance and development of Eastwoodhill Arboretum.

If you're passionate about preserving our very own national arboretum and have some spare time on your hands, then volunteering as a Friend of Eastwoodhill could be for you! Sign up to become a Friend of Eastwoodhill or keep reading to see how you can help as a volunteer.

Fundraising

The Friends of Eastwoodhill assist with raising funds and seeking sponsorship to ensure the ongoing viability of the arboretum.  Events such as the Fun Run, held each November and the Teddy Bears picnic, held annually in January, are two of the many events the Friends are involved in.  The Friends come together to ensure fundraising events are enjoyable for all who volunteer and for those who join in the fun of the day.

Homestead Garden

Eastwoodhill is recognised as a Garden of National Significance and incorporates a one-hectare Homestead Garden. This magical setting is maintained by a small dedicated volunteer group of "garden ladies" who spend one day a week keeping it in tip top condition for visitors.

Visitor Centre

The arboretum's Visitor Centre is open seven days a week in spring, summer and autumn. Volunteers staff the centre on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tasty Leaf Catering

The Tasty Leaf team caters for private functions at the Douglas Cook Centre, promotional events for the arboretum and large-scale celebrations across Gisborne. Tasty Leaf Catering is a vital part of the Friends' fundraising effort.

Promotional events

Friends help out with the running of promotional events within the arboretum as well as attending events around New Zealand such as the Ellerslie Flower Show, A&P show and various garden and home shows.

4WD Jeep tours

During the holidays and busy autumn season Friends volunteer as drivers for pre-arranged 4WD jeep tours. These tours offer those visitors who are on a tight timeframe or are unable to walk very far the opportunity to see more of our 135-hectare national arboretum.

Call us to specify how you would like to contribute as a volunteer today and get ready to experience all the rewards Eastwoodhill has to offer.