Volunteers

Gift your time and expertise to empower young Northlanders to live rewarding lives.

The power of volunteers has been fundamental to success of the R. Tucker Thompson since the ship was built 40 years ago. There is something for everyone who wants to join the Tucker whānau – from adult volunteers to join youth voyages, to dock mates who support our operations and former trainees on our summer sailings.

Youth Mates - Adults joining a 7-day Youth Voyage

Do you enjoy working with young people? Youth Mates take help with the daily running of the ship and most importantly support the crew in motivating and encouraging the development of the trainees.

We welcome applicants who bring a variety of experience and knowledge including,

Mātauranga Māori
Mental health or wellbeing
Local history
Sailing – especially tall ships!
Employability or careers development

Youth Mates need to be fit, healthy and prepared for long days of adventure! Activities include climbing, swimming and hiking.

We’ll provide your meals, and we can cater to most dietary requirements. You’ll also receive a Tucker t-shirt for you to keep, and wet weather gear to borrow for the duration of the voyage. You do need to be able to swim and be confident in the water.

R. Tucker Thompson is committed to the safety and protection of all the young people and staff involved in our activities. All volunteers are required to complete our safer recruiting process, which involves an interview with the Youth Manager, an onboarding process that includes a police and reference check, plus an induction on board.

If you’d like to be a Youth Mate, send your expression of interest including a CV with two referees to youth@tucker.co.nz.

Dock Mates – Supporting the turnaround of the ship

We are looking for one or two flexible, local superstars to ensure the Tucker stays ship shape through youth season.

Duties include laundry, contribute to deep cleaning Tucker, making the beds and preparing kai for the crew on return of the voyage.

We’re looking for a commitment for a few hours a day over two days in every 10, from May to December. Email info@tucker.co.nz to learn more.

Casual Mate

We welcome enquiries from people who are keen to gift their time to our kaupapa. That might be in the office, in the workshop, through maintenance, staff training or with fundraising. Please email info@tucker.co.nz with your expression of interest.

Trainee Volunteers

In November after you complete your Youth Voyage and if you have shown interest in volunteering we will invite you to attend a volunteer information and induction evening in December. You will need to be able to commit to a minimum of 5 days over the summer.

If you have completed a Youth Voyage in a previous year, please email youth@tucker.co.nz to enquire about volunteering during our summer sailing.

Application process

R Tucker Thompson is committed to the safety and protection of all the young people and staff involved in our activities. All volunteers are required to complete our safer recruiting process.

Adult Youth Volunteer, Rebekah

"I learnt so much on the trip. I learnt that I could spend a week with people I've never met before and be completely ok with it. My favourite thing was how everyone had a positive attitude and would push other people's confidence up. Something I will always remember is the people I met on the trip."

"My experience was great for many reasons, such as making new friends, facing fears and making new memories. I learnt how to push myself in challenging situations and heaps of useful skills. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I hope that many more kids to come enjoy this adventure as much as I did. Ngā mihi."

"I learnt a lot of basic life skills along with skills on the boat. I liked how the crew was more our friends and it was very laid back, we could talk to them like friends. I’ll remember all the impromptu exploring we did, all the dolphins and the sea life."