Best Practice - Volunteering New Zealand

Volunteer peer supervision: in an ever-changing social service environment
Rushton, Jason. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 2015.
Aims to spark a conversation surrounding the importance of peer supervision with social service volunteers from the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO).

An online copy of this document is currently unavailable.

Volunteerism: Alive and Well or Dying Quietly? Learnings from New Zealand community based organisations, volunteerism experts and social enterprises
Wanwimolruk, Michelle. Community Research Organisation, 2014.

This report focusses on volunteering in Plunket. Excerpt: “What are the key success factors for the organisations that are doing well in the volunteering space? What are some common challenges? What learnings can be shared for the benefit of others in the Third Sector?”

Mana Mahi Update 2: A Guide to the Employment of People in the Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector Organisations
Workplace Wellbeing, 2011.

This report provides updates of the main Mana Mahi employment resource and should be read along with it. It includes information on the recent changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the Holidays Act plus additional information on collective agreements and their application in this sector.

What works? A systematic review of research and evaluation literature on encouragement and support of volunteering
Department of Internal Affairs, June 2010.

This report includes recommendations on ways to improve the sports volunteer experience. A survey included finds that sports volunteers report many positive experiences but also identify some challenges and barriers to successful volunteering.

Summary of Key Findings of “What works? A systematic review of research and evaluation literature on encouragement and support of volunteering”
Victoria Business School, 2010.

The Department of Internal Affairs commissioned this systematic literature review to assist Lottery Grants Board and its distribution committees to make distribution decisions that are evidence-based, and to focus on the most effective interventions. The literature review summarises academic sport and practitioner research and evaluation from New Zealand and overseas – mostly Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – on what works to encourage participation in volunteering and support the management of volunteers. The review highlights research on volunteering in areas funded by Lottery Grants Board, for example, environment and heritage, and community and social services.

This report uses qualitative research (in-depth interviews with 52 emergency services volunteers and other stakeholders) to identify how to lift training participation of emergency services volunteers, and the impact of training on service delivery.

Sustainable Management Practices in the Voluntary Sector.
Torstonson, Sharon. Community Research Organisation, 2007.

The address made by Sharon Torstonson, from the Christchurch Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (previously known as the Council of Social Services), at the national LETS (Local Exchange Trading Systems) conference. The speech covered changing practices and policies in creating sustainable management in the voluntary sector. Excerpt: “We have become more aware that it’s not enough just to work for changes elsewhere in our community and society. We also have to look at our own behaviour.”

Involving volunteers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
National Volunteers Skills Centre, Volunteering Australia. January 2006.

Many organisations would like to involve volunteers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, but some are unsure of how to engage these communities. This information sheet looks at tips for engaging with CALD communities, and recruiting and managing volunteers from diverse backgrounds.