• Take a GPS or map of the area. Trap.nz is a great tool for keeping you on track, so always take a fully charged mobile phone.

• Leave your intentions with a friend, family member or the volunteers’ coordinator.

• Take a mobile phone (charged) with the phone numbers of the volunteers’ coordinator (Jasmine) and project manager (Kristel).  

• Volunteers should be experienced and suitability assessed – or assigned an appropriate buddy – especially when starting as a volunteer with the project. 

• Volunteers do not go to remote locations alone unless adequately equipped and experienced.

• Take all the gear on the gear list. 

• Volunteers have access to the bush safety guidelines.

• Volunteers have been given the emergency procedures.

• Always check weather predictions/forecasts before fieldwork. 

• Ensure that you have appropriate clothing, such as wet weather gear, hat, warm jacket, sunglasses etc. 

• Have a change of dry clothes in your vehicle. 

• Use GPS tracking device where possible.

• Have a charged phone with you. 

• Take water with you in the field to remain hydrated. 

• Take regular rest breaks. 

• Wear sunscreen and reapply frequently where appropriate. 

• Cancel field trip in severe weather. 

• All dangerous stream crossings need to be avoided during and after heavy rainfall.

• Always check weather predictions/forecasts before fieldwork. 

• Ensure that you have appropriate clothing, such as wet weather gear, hat, warm jacket, sunglasses etc. 

• Have a change of dry clothes in your vehicle. 

• Use GPS tracking device where possible.

• Have a charged phone with you. 

• Take water with you in the field to remain hydrated. 

• Take regular rest breaks. 

• Wear sunscreen and reapply frequently where appropriate. 

• Cancel field trip in severe weather. 

• All dangerous stream crossings need to be avoided during and after heavy rainfall.

Stay away from unstable ground, rock faces and be aware of potential overhangs.

• Check with landowner about hazards including location of stock. 

• Avoid stock if possible. 

• Stay alert and watch where the livestock are at all times.

• Field work is not to be carried out if you are known to be allergic during peak wasp season. 

• Anyone with allergies must carry their own medications with them when in the field. 

• Let people know you have an allergy. 

• Avoid areas where wasp activity is high.

• Carry a first aid kit (including insect bite/sting creams/antihistamines).

• Volunteers are provided with wasp safety guidelines (below).

• Use insect repellent

• Don’t drink untreated water – take your own drinking water; treat any water source you are unsure of as not potable. 

• Always wash hands and dry thoroughly before eating. Avoid water or mud splashes to your face, especially your mouth.

Do not touch or consume unknown plants.

• If in doubt or unsafe, do not drive – walk instead.

• Only operate a 4WD off-road if formally trained in off-road vehicle training. 

• Check tire tread and pressure and site conditions.

• Avoid greasy tracks, slippery grass and crossing turbid streams where the bottom can’t be seen.

• Assess rivers before crossing.

• Assess track suitability before driving – especially on steep slopes and ridges.

• Training is compulsory for all volunteers.

• Follow ALL trap-setting procedures and trap safety guidelines.

• Follow call-in procedures. 

• Carry a mobile phone for communication.

• Always have a first aid kit and survival kit on you

• Check the weather forecast.

• Carry personal locator beacon (provided) when out of phone reception area.