An exciting opportunity is available for a couple to join the team on Ahuahu - Great Mercury Island, located off the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and accessible by boat from Whitianga.

This is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity for a couple to experience long-term island living, meaningful work, and the chance to contribute to the protection and preservation of a truly special environment. As a team, you will support the ongoing management and protection of Ahuahu - Great Mercury Island, balancing environmental stewardship with daily operational coordination.

About the opportunity

This unique opportunity offers the chance for one partner to lead in the role of Island Ranger, focused on protecting the island’s pest-free status and implementing biodiversity projects. The second partner plays a key role across logistics, administration and operational support, helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of bio-security operations.

Together, you will become an important part of the island community, working closely to support conservation efforts, maintain initiatives and contribute to the long-term protection of this remarkable environment.

Your combined responsibilities will include:

Biosecurity & Ecological Management

• Implementing and supporting the island’s biosecurity plan
• Taking a lead role with the Argentine ant eradication programme
• Leading ecological weed control projects
• Maintaining and servicing the pest detection network along with the incursion response kit and procedures 

Logistics, Administration & Operational Support

• Coordinating supplies, deliveries, contractors and island logistics for the areas of responsibility
• Supporting biosecurity procedures for all other island activities
• Managing and coordinating volunteer programs
• Liaising with barge and charter boat operators to ensure incoming goods are pest-free
• Maintaining databases and spatial information for ranger activities
• Completing monthly, annual reporting alongside maintaining wildlife and ecological observation logs

Advocacy, Communication & Safety

• Promoting public awareness around pest-free status, on-island protocols, dog control, dune care, shorebird nesting areas and offshore mooring
• Managing and maintaining biosecurity signage
• Providing biosecurity information to staff, suppliers, and stakeholders
• Supporting health and safety systems including first aid, emergency plans, and evacuation procedures

What you’ll need to succeed

We’re looking for a capable, practical couple who can work well together, as well as separately, and thrive in a remote island setting.

Ideally, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification and/or proven experience in a similar environmental, conservation or operational role
• Strong leadership, administration, logistics and organisational skills
• Physical fitness and the ability to undertake practical outdoor tasks
• A positive, enthusiastic attitude and a hands-on approach
• Practical problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• GrowSafe certified for chemical handling, with chainsaw operation experience

Why join the team?

• Competitive salary package for both roles
• Fully furnished accommodation and utilities provided
• A rare opportunity to live and work in one of New Zealand’s most unique island environments
• Long-term stability and the chance to make a genuine environmental impact together

For further details, please contact Amy at Asset Recruitment on 07 839 3685 or email amy@assetrec.co.nz