Last Sunday, 9 Languages International students and 2 teachers joined the volunteer force helping to return Motutapu – an island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf – to native bush.

We caught a ferry over to John’s Bay, where we were given a quick demonstration on how to plant. Following that, we all got stuck in on a hillside, helping each other to dig holes and watching out for worms! After lunch in a barn, some of us kept planting while others walked up to the top of the island for amazing views back to the city. It was a great day, topped off with a classic Kiwi sausage sizzle and a quick sleep on the ferry home.

The Motutapu Island Restoration Trust runs Volunteer Days every 2 weeks throughout the year, and we will definitely be making them a more regular fixture on our Social Programme.

You can see more photos of the event on Flickr.