THE PICKERS

Volunteer Handbook

PHOTOS

  • To help our community recognise and trust our volunteers, all Pickers aged 18 and over are asked to have their photo published on www.ripple.net.nz/the-pickers before starting.

  • Be ready to show your photo on our website whenever a donor requests verification of your identity.

HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY

  • High-Visibility Vest:
    Please wear a high-vis vest during picking. This identifies you as a volunteer Picker, reassures donors, and keeps you safe while working.

  • Limit on Pickers:
    To respect our donors—especially those who are elderly or vulnerable—no more than two adults, or one adult with up to two children (under 18), should be on a property at a time.

  • Supervision for Minors:
    Volunteers under 18 must always be accompanied by an adult for their safety and support.

  • Respecting Property Boundaries:
    For everyone’s comfort and security, stay outside and within designated picking areas. Do not enter the interior of dwellings.

  • Picking Only From Registered Properties:
    To maintain trust in the community, pick only from properties registered with The Pickers.

  • Safety First:

    • Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

    • Stay well hydrated and be mindful of your surroundings.

    • Use only 2-step ladders when needed.

    • Volunteers under 18 may climb only with adult supervision and donor permission.

  • Animals on Properties:
    Pause picking if a dog is roaming freely. If children under 18 are present, do not pick when dogs are loose to ensure everyone’s safety.

PICKER ETIQUETTE

BOOKED ASSIGNMENTS

  • Arrival:
    Follow the picking instructions provided in The Pickers Tracker Sheet.

  • Connection:
    Remember, our work is about more than just picking. Connection and conversation are part of the service. Be guided by the donor’s cues and comfort.

  • Picking Process:
    Follow the picking notes in The Pickers Tracker Sheet — e.g., use secateurs, please leave some fruit for personal use.

    • Delivery:
      Deliver produce promptly according to the instructions in The Pickers Tracker Sheet to ensure freshness and timely distribution.

  • Gratitude:
    If the donor is present and it feels appropriate, thank them for their generosity. A small expression of appreciation goes a long way in maintaining positive community relationships.

DOOR KNOCKING

  • Register Your Route:
    Before heading out, register the streets and house numbers you plan to visit on the The Pickers Tracker Sheet. This helps us coordinate and avoid overlapping efforts. When a donor is identified, record their details in the The Pickers Tracker Sheet.

  • Visibility:
    Always wear high-visibility clothing when visiting properties. This ensures you are easily identifiable as a volunteer and promotes safety for both you and the residents.

  • Introduction:
    Knock on the door and introduce yourself as a volunteer Picker from The Pickers. Show your website photo to verify your identity and build trust.

  • Explain The Pickers Mission:
    Our mission is to collect excess produce from local homes and gardens, repurposing and redistributing these resources to benefit the community.

  • Request for Donations:
    Politely ask if the resident would like to donate any produce.

  • Registration of Property:
    If the resident is happy to donate, register the property at www.ripple.net.nz/the-pickers or in The Pickers Tracker Sheet. You can then book a convenient picking date, or if timing allows, proceed to pick immediately with the donor’s permission.

  • Respect and Gratitude:
    Always thank the resident for their time, whether or not they make a donation.

PICKER GUIDELINES

  • Confidentiality:
    Please keep all The Pickers Tracker Sheet information private. Only share details with The Pickers team and other volunteers. Protecting property addresses and personal information is essential to maintain trust and the integrity of our project.

  • Koha for Your Time:
    Volunteers may keep up to 10% of the harvested produce as a koha (gift) for your time and effort. Please keep this modest and in line with our guidelines to ensure fairness and respect for donors.

  • Tools and Safety:

    • Always wear your high-vis vest on donor properties.

    • Use secateurs for citrus to make a clean cut, helping the tree stay healthy and preventing damage to the fruit. Cut at the base of the fruit to avoid sticks piercing the produce once picked.

    • A clothes basket is ideal for collecting and carrying produce safely and efficiently.

  • Respect for Property:
    Treat every property with care. Leave it as you found it and remove any trash or equipment at the end of your picking session.

FOLLOW-UP

  • Survey:
    After an assignment, The Pickers may contact donors to request feedback about their experience. This helps us improve our service and continue building positive relationships in the community.