Volunteering to help the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway

Volunteers help the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway to maintain and run our historic engines and rolling stock, track, buildings and grounds.

By joining our happy, friendly and dedicated group of Volunteers you will be the key to ensuring that our future generations will be able to enjoy seeing these beautiful engines and rolling stock on our rails.

Occasional transport/carpooling is available from Whangarei, Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Paihia; work is based in Kawakawa.

No matter what your skill base, we are sure to find just the task for you! Full training for all areas will be given.

Here are some areas that we currently need volunteers for:

1. Guards & Assistant Guards 

Guards and assistant guards needed to ensure safety and enjoyment of passengers whilst travelling on our trains.

Guards are required to be able to couple up carriages, change points, follow safety rules, issue tickets, and complete necessary Railway documentation.

Hours – all day when on duty.  Duty days rostered to fit.
Volunteers need to be fit and strong with an outgoing pleasant but authoritative personality. A love of history is useful.
Holding a current First Aid certificate would be an advantage, but will be arranged if not, as this is a requirement for this role.

2. Shopkeepers 
Shopkeepers for a small platform shop required.
Able to deal with money transactions, stock and associated documents.
Outgoing, friendly personality, with an eye for figure-work.

3. Drivers and Firemen

Volunteers need to be fit and strong as coupling/uncoupling and changing points is necessary as part of the day-long duties.

Diesel engine drivers – similar to driving a truck. All drivers start by learning the track and procedures and qualifying before going on to be a steam engine fireman.

Steam engine drivers begin as Firemen – and continue this training before progression to driving by gaining their “steam ticket”.

4. Railway track & station maintenance work 
Variety of opportunities for workers (no special skills required):
a) on the railway track – e.g. track bed maintenance & sleeper re-bedding
b) ensure visitors and personnel enjoy a clean and safe environment
Full training will be given by current staff.

We will match your skills with the vast variety and range of jobs that need doing to keep our Railway running for present and future generations to enjoy.
A can-do attitude would be advantageous.

5. Metal & wood workers
We need to maintain, build and refurbish our vintage diesel & steam engines, and carriages – these jobs require craft metal workers and wood workers.
We will match your hands-on skills with the vast variety of jobs that need doing. Skilled and craft workers in both metal work and wood work with love of problem solving in order to maintain and build our rolling stock.
Un-skilled workers required to assist (and perhaps learn) these crafts, plus help with building

We want to give all our visitors an enjoyable experience, whilst ensuring their safety at all time.

If you feel you would like to join us or would like more information, please email:admin@bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz; or phone: 09-404-0684 or you could simply call at the station to have a look around and a chat.

 

[rev_slider volunteers]