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.

  • Please be ready and happy 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:
    Please announce yourself on arrival if you are expecting the owner to be home.

  • 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:
    Please note down any particular “picking” notes relayed to you when you accept a job.

    • Delivery:
      Please deliver produce within 24 hours to ensure it can be redistributed while fresh.

      Delivery address: 50 Lakeside Drive, Orewa.

      Please leave fruit in boxes or bags on lay on the ground in front of the vintage caravan at the bottom of the short driveway.

  • 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, please let The Pickers know which streets you intend to cover. 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, book a convenient picking date and register the property with The Pickers

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

PICKER GUIDELINES

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

  • Leaving fruit on trees:
    Please check with the owner how much produce they would like left for their own consumption. Always leave easy to pick low hanging fruit.

  • Rescheduling:
    If you are unable to pick at the day and time prearranged with you, please let Kayleen know as soon as possible so the owner can be notified.

  • 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

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.