When people walk into Puāwai, the headquarters of Pest Free Kaipātiki (PFK), they see a welcoming space; a hub for ecological restoration, education and community building.

What many do not see is the enormous amount of volunteer labour that went into transforming this former bowling club building into what it is today.

And at the centre of that work was Grant Knight.

Grant played a major role in restoring Puāwai from a rundown building into a functioning headquarters for the organisation.

His wife Jo has also been instrumental to PFK’s success over many years through her own leadership, organising and restoration work.

Taking on the hard jobs nobody else wanted

When PFK first acquired the building, it required extensive renovation work. Funding support for restoration was limited, so volunteers largely took on the project themselves.

Grant became the person who consistently tackled the difficult and often unpleasant jobs that needed doing.

Jo Knight says, “Grant is incredibly persistent, he keeps going until the work is finished. He quietly follows through and makes sure the work gets done.”

He helped line and insulate the garage so chemicals used for predator control could be safely stored there, and worked on demolition and rebuilding tasks.

Many other volunteers contributed to the project over the years, including people helping paint walls, hang doors and rebuild spaces.

Lifelong connection to nature

Outside of his work renovating Puāwai, Grant also spent 30 years volunteering at Hadfield Street Reserve, helping remove invasive ginger, clear tracks and maintain the reserve after storms and slips. He also contributed to restoration work at Odin Place Reserve.

Jo says, “Grant has always been deeply connected to nature. But the transformation of Puāwai is his greatest source of pride.”

Today, Puāwai stands as a thriving community headquarters used by PFK staff and volunteer groups across Kaipātiki.

Its transformation was largely due to years of Grant’s dedication and hard work.

At 81, he has slowed down somewhat, but he continues to frequently mow Puāwai’s lawn, and his contribution to PFK remains part of the building itself.

PFK has recognised Grant Knight as a Lifetime Member for his contribution to the organisation and the wider Kaipātiki community.

In the last five years, Pest Free Kaipātiki has: 

• planted 32,946 native trees 
• logged 70,150 volunteer hours 
• controlled 4,066 weed locations 

‍

Find out more about Pest Free Kaipātiki

‍

Volunteering New Zealand offers scholarship tickets to our annual conference. We want to enable volunteer managers or leaders from small organisations to attend.

Joy Reid, the Chief Executive of From One Mother to Another, says attending VNZ conferences are valuable for the learning and connection offered.

Joy had a scholarship ticket to attend in 2024 in Christchurch.

‍

‍

“This was an incredible opportunity for both me and our organisation. As a small charity, there is simply no way we could have afforded to attend otherwise, and at the time I honestly wasn’t sure whether a conference of that scale would be relevant for us. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

Joy says the content was relevant; sessions on AI in volunteering, and another on inclusion broadened her horizons about what was achievable in From One Mother to Another.

“Beyond the sessions themselves, I made valuable new connections and, perhaps most importantly, felt part of a much bigger volunteer community working towards positive change across New Zealand.

Size no barrier to contribution

“Being in those conversations encouraged me to lift my eyes beyond the day-to-day realities of running a small charity and start dreaming about what our future could look like. It gave me confidence that organisations of all sizes have a place at the table and can contribute to the wider volunteering sector,” Joy says.

Last year, her organisation paid for their new Volunteer Coordinator to attend the hui in Auckland. She came back full of fresh ideas, new contacts, and renewed enthusiasm for her role.

Joy says the value was so clear that attending the conference has now become part of their planning as their volunteer community grows at pace. 

“What started with one scholarship has created an ongoing connection to a nationwide community of volunteers and organisations. For us, that has been invaluable.  Thank you for making it happen.”

‍

Media release: National  Volunteer Week celebrates millions of volunteers

National Volunteer Week, which runs from 14–20 June, is the biggest celebration of volunteering in New Zealand.

Volunteering New Zealand | Tūao Aotearoa leads this national event. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, has been chosen to mark International Year of the Volunteer 2026. It both recognises those who are volunteering, and prompts others to start.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to thank the millions of volunteers who make a difference to our communities every day,” says Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand.  

Over 53% of adult New Zealanders volunteer among the highest worldwide, however, fewer are volunteering with organisations. The latest Stats NZ figures show 27.6% volunteered through an organisation (30.2% in 2021), and 40.8% volunteered directly for another person outside their household (36% in 2021).

“Volunteering is evolving to be more flexible and casual, and many organisations are adapting their volunteer roles to meet this trend,” Michelle says.

Formal volunteering is worth $6.4 billion to the economy, and when you add in direct volunteering as well it’s worth over double that at $14.4  billion.  

More than the economic value, volunteering is vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Volunteers are everywhere — supporting aged care, disability services, community programmes, the arts, sports, emergency response, and caring for our environment. Their work touches almost every part of our lives.

Volunteering also gives back to those who volunteer. It helps people feel connected, supported, and valued. Volunteering is a powerful movement and is a key contributor to community.

“This National Volunteer Week we celebrate the diversity of volunteers and volunteering, mahi aroha and social action in Aotearoa.

“Join us this National Volunteer Week as we celebrate our collective impact,” Michelle says.

Resources to celebrate National Volunteer Week: https://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/campaigns/national-volunteer-week

Find volunteer opportunities via a Volunteer Centre, or Seek Volunteer, see: https://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/resources/volunteers/finding-volunteer-roles
‍
Volunteer-involving organisations can get guidance at: https://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/resources/best-practice-guidelines/best-practice-guidelines

ENDS

‍

If your CE asked you to prove the impact of your volunteer programme, what would you show them?

Maybe the number of volunteers or the hours contributed? You know the impact is much more than that!

We recently had Christine Spiers, Flutterbye, deliver a webinar on Measuring and telling the volunteer impact story. Her insights were valuable.

What to measure beyond hours is like a ladder, beginning with the activity and moving up to impact:

1. Activity: what the programme does
2. Output: what the activity produced
3. Outcome: what changed for someone as a result
4. Impact: the wider reason for the programme

Her five ways to collect evidence without creating extra work were:

1. One-question check-ins at the end of each session
2. Observation notes: a sentence or two written by the coordinator
3. Photos: the volunteer in action
4. Exit reflections: at the end of a role or project
5. Quarterly survey: 3 questions, 5 minutes

Participants at the webinar said requesting feedback from volunteers (particularly online) can be difficult, with many skipping survey questions. However, if volunteers understand why you are asking questions, such as gathering stories for funding, or advocating for volunteers within the organisation, they may be more willing to participate

Why Should Organisations Share Volunteer Stories?

Stories (even short quotes) can be captured to pair with data. It helps the data come alive and have more meaning.

For example, “Volunteer retention rose from 64% to 78% this year” is more meaningful when pared with: Maria, who nearly left in April, told her supervision the shift pattern wasn’t working for her. We changed it. She’s still with us, and has now recruited two friends.”

Storytelling can be a powerful way to show the volunteer impact. They can help to honour individual volunteers, as well as demonstrate the impact on the people served or cause supported.

When telling stories, or asking volunteers for them, use thoughtful prompts. Ask about a specific experience, or change that has occurred. This will help you craft the story in a way that connects with your audience. Photos and videos are important too!

By measuring the impact of your volunteer programme, you demonstrate the effectiveness of your volunteers' time and efforts. It allows you to adjust and improve the programme to be more enjoyable for volunteers, and deliver on your mission.

‍

‍

Over the years, the Good Deed Group has quietly built a powerful legacy rooted in compassion, community, and collective action. What began as a small group of individuals committed to giving back has grown into a movement that continues to make a tangible difference across Auckland.

Co-founder Dr Anmar Taufeek has purposefully engaged Middle Eastern women—particularly from Iraq—who are often underrepresented in community initiatives. The group was the only one within the Middle East community to lead a Covid-19 education and vaccination campaign tailored to ethnic communities, earning national media recognition.

Anmar says the Good Deed Group began after she spoke at her community centre, and was joined by three women - Alyia, Haifa and Mayada, to officially establish the group.

Pyjamas for children, blankets for families

One of the group’s most meaningful initiatives is the “Keep Them Warm” programme. Each year, members come together to fund, organise, and deliver warm pyjamas to underprivileged children in schools across Auckland.

For many of these children, receiving something as simple as a new pair of pyjamas is more than just warmth — it is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

Alongside this, the group has led efforts to distribute blankets to individuals and families in need, particularly during the colder months. These acts of giving are often carried out quietly, without expectation of recognition, but their impact is deeply felt by those who receive them.

A culture of generosity

The Good Deed Group has been operating since 2018 and has grown into a strong and active community, now with 61 members. They have delivered a wide range of initiatives, community support activities, and charitable contributions.

All of their outreach and volunteering efforts have been self-funded by the group. This has inspired a culture of volunteering and generosity within the wider community.

As the Good Deed Group continues its journey, their message remains clear: real change starts with simple acts of kindness, and when people come together with purpose, even the smallest gestures can create lasting impact.

‍

‍

English Language Partners (ELP) New Zealand helps former refugees and migrants settle well and succeed in Aotearoa through English language teaching, home tutoring, classes and community connection delivered through 21 centres nationwide.

Nearly 900 volunteers are vital to settlement support, helping learners build English, confidence, social connection and practical knowledge for everyday life in New Zealand.

Here are a few of the volunteer's stories:

‍

‍

Tesha: Building Connection Beyond Words

For Tesha Misipeka, connection has always extended beyond language. Raised in the Hutt Valley within a proud Pacific family, she grew up witnessing multicultural friendships built on “food, laughter, and everyday kindness ”rather than shared words. “I learned that understanding isn’t built on language alone,” she says, “but on the effort people make with one another.”

Inspired by her parents’ experiences as migrants with limited English, Tesha saw firsthand how language barriers shaped opportunity. “Growing up around hard work and limited language shaped my sense of service,” she explains.

Her volunteering journey has been filled with powerful moments. She recalls a Syrian mother learning English while caring for five children, and learners from Myanmar gaining confidence through familiar concepts. “Starting from what they already knew gave them confidence,” Tesha says.

Lessons often unfold amid real life—crying babies, shared meals, and busy households. “Some days learning pauses, other days it happens in small moments,” she says. Through it all, Tesha has learned that trust and connection come first. “When learners feel seen and respected,” she reflects, “the language has somewhere solid to land.”

‍

‍

Svetlana:  From Learner to Teacher

Svetlana knows firsthand how challenging it can be to start over in a new country without a shared language. Originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, she has spent more than eight years living abroad, including a difficult period in Finland where isolation and family hardship shaped her perspective. “You can feel like a small child trapped in an adult body,” she reflects. “You can’t express yourself fully.”

Now based in Dunedin, she found purpose again by becoming a volunteer home tutor. “Because the language didn’t come easily to me, I developed my own ways to understand and explain things,” she says. “I realised this could genuinely help others.”

For Svetlana, volunteering is deeply meaningful. “It doesn’t matter where we come from—we all want to be understood and to belong,” she explains. She cherishes the “moment of light” when a learner grasps a new concept or sound.

Her approach is grounded in patience and empathy. “Progress isn’t linear,” she says. “But if you stay present and don’t give up, the breakthrough will come.”

‍

Lynx: Finding Connection Through Language

After retiring from a long career as a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter, Lynx found herself missing the daily cross-cultural connections that had once filled her life. In 2024, she discovered a way to rediscover that sense of purpose—volunteering as a home tutor.

Born in England but now “very much a proud Kiwi, ”Lynx splits her time between Auckland’s west coast and Vancouver. Her path to ELP began after helping resettle an Afghan refugee family in Canada. “I loved not only the language aspect but also the cultural connection,” she says. “I wanted to do something similar here in NZ.”

Working one-on-one with learners, Lynx tailors lessons to build confidence. One learner, a former teacher, now feels more comfortable speaking English, while another initially “very nervous” student has begun to relax and engage. “My first task was to have fun and reduce their anxiety—and I think that has been achieved.”

For Lynx, the impact goes both ways. “I think the gratitude is mostly mine,” she reflects. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with people I may otherwise never meet.”

‍

‍

Give volunteers a Big Shout-out this June

Give a BigShout-out to the volunteers in your community this June, says Volunteering New Zealand.

The Big Shout Out is a month-long celebration recognising the people across Aotearoa New Zealand who give their time, skills, and energy to help others.

The campaign runs throughout June and includes National Volunteer Week (14–20 June). This year,2026, is also UN-designated International Volunteer Year, a global celebration of the power of volunteering.

“Volunteers are vital to our communities, and everyone who gives their time to help their neighbour, school, marae or community organisation deserves a big shout-out,” says Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Tūao Aotearoa Volunteering New Zealand.

53% of New Zealanders volunteer regularly (Stats NZ 2025 update), and while formal volunteering through organisations has dipped slightly since 2021, the hours given are increasing (18.1 hours over the previous month, an increase of 2.2 hours from 2021). Volunteering is evolving – more flexible, informal, and community-led than ever before. (See the State of the Decade of Volunteering report, March 2026)

“The Big Shout Out is all about shining a spotlight on the quiet contributions volunteers make — often behind the scenes and without expectation. Many volunteers go unrecognised – this campaign gives us all a chance to say, loudly and clearly: a big thank you!” Michelle says.

Led by Volunteering New Zealand, The Big Shout Out is a nationwide, social media-based campaign encouraging everyone to say thanks to the volunteers who make our communities stronger. By recognising volunteers, we can help promote the importance of volunteering and social action.

Volunteering New Zealand has been told of over 80 events planned by community organisations including morning and afternoon teas, awards ceremonies, storytelling, and tree planting, celebrating thousands of volunteers. Volunteering New Zealand has also given 1600 volunteer thank you cards to organisations to give to volunteers.

Find out more

Volunteering New Zealand’s suggestions for The Big Shout-out:

·      Show your thanks for volunteers in your life. Share a photo or message of thanks on social media #thebigshoutout

·      Find easy-to-use templates and graphics

·      Shout volunteers a morning/afternoon tea or other celebration.

International Volunteer Year 2026

·      Volunteering New Zealand IVY26 campaign

·      International Volunteer Year UN resources

·      Have your say on improving the future of volunteering, Call to Action survey.

‍

Meet Michelle and Mike, two volunteers with Orange Sky. Their efforts supporting people with free laundry, showers and a cuppa are rewarded in many small ways.

Meet Orange Sky tūao, Michelle. Her commitment to the kaupapa is deeply personal, having experienced two years of secondary homelessness while relying on couch surfing and other temporary accommodation. Now a Team Leader and Service Coordinator, Michelle dedicates a tremendous 20 hours each week to powering Orange Sky in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

"Once I saw the difference a friendly face, a hot shower and clean, dry clothes can make to a person's life, I was committed. We call the people who use Orange Sky our friends, regardless of where they've come from or what their circumstances are - there is no judgment or 'othering' under our gazebo. We see a lot of our friends several times a week, they come to shower and use the laundry but more importantly, for camaraderie and connection with people who care about them. We laugh and we cry with them. Some of our friends keep showing up long after they've found housing for this very reason," Michelle shared.

She believes Orange Sky "heals from the inside out" by providing a safe place for connection. She sees that the trust built under the gazebo often becomes the bridge to broader community support. By strengthening relationships with community partners like Housing First and City Mission, Michelle helps friends and whānau find the confidence to access professional help they may have otherwise avoided. Whether she’s celebrating a friend finding housing or listening to a friend practice their English, Michelle knows that you can never truly know the experiences of a person doing it tough until you sit down for non-judgemental, genuine kōrero.

‍

‍

Mike found Orange Sky in mid-2024 at a local market in Napier, where new volunteers were needed to join a new shift in Hawke’s Bay. He was immediately captured by the enthusiastic and caring nature of the recruitment team, and after undertaking both online and practical training, Mike joined the Wednesday afternoon shift team in Hastings. Over time, he has stepped up to become a Shift Team Leader and an Associate Regional Coordinator.

"What a great experience it has been. I have had the opportunity to mix with teams ofvolunteers (both Orange Sky and other supporting services) who devote time, energy and empathy to a large group of very vulnerable people. Our group of wash day friends continue to amaze me with their personal stories of both joyful and sad experiences and yet remain genuinely grateful for our washing provision and kōrero."

After every shift, Mike leaves heartened by observing simple, powerful acts by friends. He recalls a young woman, five months pregnant, sitting and quietly taking in the comfort of her pile of freshly washed and dried clothes, and an older man carefully separating his laundry into light and dark piles, ready for the wash. He sees friends looking after one another by sharing clothing and bedding, or facilitating medical care. On one occasion, he even received a bag of Māori rēwena bread floaters from a friend who simply remembered Mike mentioning that he liked them. It's simple moments like these, Mike says, that have made his time volunteering so worthwhile.

‍

Young people (aged 15-24) do volunteer, and they give more hours than the population average.

Dr Johann Go gave a webinar on 19 May which was a deep dive into youth volunteering arising from the State of the Decade of Volunteering report.

He said while fewer young people volunteer (45.8%), compared to the total population (53.0%); those volunteering through organisations gave more hours each month 18.4, compared to 15.5 hours population-wide.

Most and least popular areas to volunteer

The most popular areas for young people to volunteer were: sports and recreation, religious/ spiritual, and social services. They had lower participation in environmental conservation and community development areas.

Webinar participants were surprised by the lower interest in environmental causes, but agreed there were barriers to participation such as distance to travel, time, and some established organisations being less welcoming to young or diverse people.

Sze-En Watts from the Social Impact Studio at Otago University said students enjoyed environmental volunteering opportunities, pitched as “good deed and a feed”, which were low-pressure, casual days with transport provided.

Flexible, casual volunteering preferred

Youth volunteers prefer flexible, casual volunteering patterns and are more likely to have higher turnover rates. When seeking volunteer roles, they are more likely to seek value alignment with organisations.

Word of mouth or direct invites from family and friends remain the primary method for learning about volunteering opportunities.

Johann said larger established organisations shouldn’t be afraid to innovate and adjust their models to attract and retain young people.

‍

See the slides from the presentation on youth volunteering

‍Watch the recording of the webinar

‍

Volunteers are often the first to respond to emergency events, and are a vital part of emergency response and recovery.

Kelsey Hanrahan, NEMA, gave a webinar on emergency preparedness, response and recovery – focused on people in the voluntary and social sector.

She said New Zealand was experiencing more serious emergency events. Since 2015 we have had two or three big events each year.

‍

Organisations need to get ready

Organisations, as well as individuals, need to take emergency preparedness responsibility. NEMA stressed that they have limited resource to respond to local emergencies, and that response is predominantly from communities and volunteers, co-ordinated through Civil Defence and Emergency Management groups.

Webinar attendees said volunteers were frequently spread across several volunteer organisations so may be checked on or called to help by multiple organisations needing them. Co-ordination is needed.

Kelsey noted the complexity of the emergency sector. She said The Emergency Management Bill, currently in progress through Parliament, should help clarity roles and responsibilities.

Follow-up responses:

Spontaneous volunteers and how they can best be managed. Seepage 7 of this document.

Emergency Management Bill information sheets (scroll down to ‘Information Sheets’). They set out what’s changing and why, who the changes would affect, and when they would come into force. Note these are subject to change as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

Privacy information.

Readiness information.

‍

View the slides from the Emergency Preparedness webinar.

‍
View the recording of the presentation.

National Volunteer Week, 14-20 June 2026, is Aotearoa’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

This week is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate, and appreciate the millions of volunteers who enrich Aotearoa New Zealand. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, has been chosen to mark International Year of the Volunteer 2026.It both recognises those who are volunteering, and prompts others to start.
‍

Key Messages

• National Volunteer Week (14-20 June) is New Zealand’s largest celebration of volunteers and volunteering.
• This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, has been chosen to mark International Year of the Volunteer 2026.
• It both recognises those who are volunteering, and prompts others to start. Volunteering strengthens the fabric of our communities, connecting individuals, whānau, and organisations across Aotearoa.
• Volunteers play vital roles – as coaches, caregivers, emergency responders, community builders, environmental champions, and more.
• By recognising and valuing volunteers, we help foster a culture of appreciation and encourage everyone to volunteer in some way.
• Let’s celebrate the diversity of volunteers and the collective strength of mahi aroha and social action in our communities.
     
     

Actions you can take

>> Get resources from our National Volunteer Week campaigns page.

>> Use these tools to:

• Say thank you to volunteers
• Promote events or activities
• Share stories and social media posts
• Encourage others to get involved

‍

>> Download our NVW2026 Comms Pack and start spreading the word

>> Be inspired by our 15 ways to celebrate National Volunteer Week one-pager

‍

Contact us for more help.

‍

Give a Big Shout Out to volunteers!

This June, we’re celebrating the volunteers who make a difference across Aotearoa New Zealand every day.

They are our companions, firefighters, sports team coaches, fierce advocates, environmental stewards, and so much more. They give their time, energy, and heart to help others — now it’s their time to shine.

How to get involved

• Get resources from the Big Shout Out campaign page
• Give a shout-out on social media - Use #TheBigShoutOut and tag @VolunteeringNZ
• Provide a shout of kai – morning tea, lunch, BBQ, whatever suits your team
• Create a short, heartfelt video saying “Thank you” to the volunteers who have contributed to your organisation, community, or even your own life.

‍
‍Filming tips

Keep it simple – here's how:

Device: Use your smartphone (iPhone or similar) with a good-quality camera.

Sound: Film somewhere quiet – indoors is best, away from busy spaces.

Background: Keep it simple and uncluttered.

Orientation:
Portrait (vertical) for Instagram/ stories
Landscape (horizontal) may work better for Facebook or YouTube

Introduce yourself: Say your name and your organisation (if relevant).

Keep it short: Aim for around 30 seconds

‍

Need inspiration? Here are some handy prompts:

>> It’s the Big Shout Out and I’m giving a big shout-out to volunteers because...

>> Thanks to all the volunteers at [your org]! I’m really grateful for...

>> Ngā mihi nui volunteers! I appreciate your mahi because...

>> Volunteers are important because...

‍

Share your video!

Post your video on your social media and tag @volunteeringnz

‍

Send it to us via this form or email so we can share it too.
‍

Let’s flood Aotearoa New Zealand with messages of gratitude, celebration, and the power of volunteering!

‍

Our survey on the impact of the fuel cost crisis on the voluntary sector received 90 responses in two weeks.

This is an issue affecting many organisations and impacting on their ability to maintain and deliver services. See the Summary Survey Results.

Affect of rising fuel prices
‍

85%of respondents said the rising fuel prices were affecting their organisation’s activities in some way; and 87% have no contingency for rising fuel prices.

The main effects were: reducing volunteer hours, reducing service provision, and putting programmes on hold.

70.5% said in the event of fuel shortage, their ability to provide services would be compromised. 68.5% of respondents said their organisation had a plan, or one was in progress.

“Our centre is open to the public and if volunteers are unavailable then we can’t open.”

“We support community organisations over a large geographic area but we are not able to travel for events and collaborations as travel is too expensive and our finances are strained.”

‍

What organisations are doing to mitigate the impact

Organisations are adapting to the impact of the rising fuel costs. Respondents said they were:

• Working from home where possible, and using online tools for meetings etc
• Reducing the amount of travel distances e.g. through less frequent deliveries, or matching volunteers closer to the service locations
• Some were offering financial support to volunteers such as petrol vouchers, and mileage reimbursement
• Sometimes it was necessary to cut, reduce or pause non-essential services and programmes.

What response was needed

The overwhelming majority want Volunteering New Zealand to lobby the government for:

• Financial support or fuel price controls
• Recognition that the not-for-profit sector provides essential services
• Tax relief for charities
• Contact MPs directly about the impacts on the volunteer sector

Other ideas included:

• Support in accessing additional funding for increased travel costs
• Include volunteer sector in fuel rationing priority plans
• Access to fuel discounts for volunteer organisations
• Prioritise fuel access for critical volunteer services (e.g., Meals on Wheels, hospital transport)

‍

“Advocate for VIOs to Government - funding is tight already and high fuel costs may be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back for some struggling organisations. A plan is needed - including the for-purpose sector to enable us to continue to deliver services and support our clients(who are also struggling).” 

 Thank you to everyone who responded to this survey. We'll use your responses to advocate to government and funders for support for the voluntary sector.

‍

AK Sanjeewa writes that giving back has rewarded him with friendships, meaning and belonging.

 Eight years ago, I arrived in New Zealand as an international student, full of hope and excitement. From the very beginning, I carried a simple yet meaningful dream: to give back to the community I was going to call home. This beautiful country has given me world‑class education, valuable life lessons, and the warmth of Kiwi culture - contributions I wanted to honour through community service.

That dream became reality when Volunteer Canterbury organised a workshop for immigrants. Through this initiative, I was introduced to volunteering opportunities and soon began my journey with Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ). I must take a moment to acknowledge the incredible team at Volunteer Canterbury for creating such a powerful platform - connecting volunteers with non‑profit organisations that truly need support. Through this network, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer with nearly five major community organisations over the years.

Seven Years of Service with CPNZ

My connection with CPNZ grew stronger day by day. I am proud to say that for the past seven years, I have served as a volunteer community patroller with the Christchurch City Park Central Patrol Team, working toward a shared goal: making our city a safer place for everyone.

Although my professional background is in retail business management, I never hesitated to step into this role. The experience I have gained, from community patrols to working closely with the New Zealand Police, has been nothing short of remarkable. It has strengthened my sense of responsibility, leadership, and community awareness.

As community patrollers, we serve as role models for safety while providing an added layer of support to local businesses by helping keep their premises secure. Knowing that our presence contributes to peace of mind for residents and business owners alike makes every patrol worthwhile.

Volunteering with an Open Heart

One message I truly want to share is this: don’t approach volunteering with a selfish mindset. Volunteering isn’t just about gaining work experience or adding a reference to your CV; it’s about contributing openly and meaningfully to the community. Every volunteer role has value and identity, and every effort matters.

The lessons learned through community interaction become lifelong memories. Through volunteering, I’ve experienced the kindness of Kiwi culture and built lasting friendships that continue to support and inspire me.

Commitment Through Every Challenge

My journey with CPNZ has been both enjoyable and challenging. Whether patrolling during the day or late at night, in cold or wet weather, we remain committed and vigilant. These challenges strengthen us personally and remind us of the responsibility we carry as volunteers.

There is a unique joy in seeing happy faces and secure public spaces within our community. That sense of achievement is deeply fulfilling and cannot be compared to any routine or paid job. Volunteering is not “just another role”, it is a truly inspiring opportunity to make a difference.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I would not be able to do this work without the unwavering support of my family. As an immigrant, the time I dedicate to volunteering sometimes comes at the expense of time with my loved ones. I am deeply grateful to my wife and my lovely little daughter for their constant support and understanding as I contribute to community wellbeing.

Volunteering is respected, valued, and, now more than ever, essential for our nation. I am proud of my commitment, grateful for the journey so far, and excited for what lies ahead with CPNZ.

Together, through shared responsibility and open hearts, we can continue to make our communities a welcoming place for everyone.

Bev Giles is the Manager of Volunteering Northland, but her volunteer journey has lasted a lifetime.

While Hospice is the main organisation I currently volunteer for, my volunteering journey began long before that - when I was just 18 years old.

As a teenager, I was quite shy and struggled to find my confidence and sense of belonging in the world. One day, I heard a radio advertisement calling for volunteer telephone counsellors at Youthline. Something about it resonated with me, and I decided to apply. After completing the training programme, I volunteered as a Youthline phone counsellor for around two years before heading off on my OE.

That experience marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong journey of volunteering. It gave me my first taste of how powerful and rewarding it feels to give back and support others during challenging times.

Finding My Place with Hospice

For the past six years, I have volunteered as a retail assistant in various Hospice shops. I chose Hospice because of the incredible work they do and because their values so closely align with my own. I also happen to love meeting new people — and, let’s be honest, I love shopping!

I began volunteering with Hospice after resigning from a 25-year career in the corporate world to start my own life coaching business. While I was building my client base, I found myself with some spare time and decided to volunteer once a week. What I didn’t expect was how quickly volunteering would become such a meaningful part of my life.

I met wonderful people, built genuine friendships, and found a strong sense of connection — especially valuable as I had recently moved to the area. When we relocated further north 18 months ago, I naturally sought out anew Hospice shop and was warmly welcomed into the team.

More Than I Ever Gave

What I’ve gained through volunteering is difficult to measure, but it has given me so much more than the time and energy I’ve invested.

Starting out as a Youthline counsellor helped me develop skills that built confidence and shaped my future career. Those early experiences laid the foundations for coaching, mentoring, and leading otherslater in life.

Over the years, my volunteer journey has included mentoring at-risk youth, serving as an adviser for Citizens Advice, being a board member for a low-decile school and a women’s support centre, helping at local galas and community events — and many other roles along the way.

The Joy of Volunteering

I haven’t encountered any major challenges throughout my volunteering journey. Like anywhere, there have been moments where I haven’t seen eye to eye with someone, but I’ve never let that deter me.

Today, I volunteer at Hospice every second Friday, and I absolutely love it. It’s my happy place — a space where I can be myself, connect with a diverse range of people, and occasionally discover some incredible additions to my wardrobe. My friends now affectionately refer to me as “the Op Shop Queen!”

When Passion Meets Purpose

Landing my current paid role as Manager of Volunteering Northland felt like the icing on the cake. It brought together everything I’m passionate about — community, connection, and supporting others through volunteering.

Volunteering is part of my DNA and always will be. It has shaped who I am, enriched my life beyond measure, and continues to remind me of the power of giving back.

‍

Our latest report State of the Decade of Volunteering provides a comprehensive review of volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past ten years.

It was launched on Tuesday 24th of March by Minister Louise Upston at the BNZ Partners Centre, Wellington. The event included a panel discussion facilitated by Steven Moe – ParryField Lawyers with:

• Amanda Reid, BERL
• Matthew Williams , JBWere
• Professor Karen Smith , Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
• Ethan Tauevihi‑Kahika, Volunteering New Zealand Board member.

The report author Dr Johann Go will be giving webinars about the report next month:

• 7 May, online launch and highlights of the report
• 19 May, deep dive and insights about youth volunteering.

Michelle Kitney, VNZ Chief Executive says, “Quality data and insights are crucial for understanding how people are volunteering, and how organisations are responding. With the pressures on the community and voluntary sector, we must adapt to remain vital and relevant.”

Misty Sansom, VNZ Board Chair says. "Here's the thing I keep coming back to: we have good data now. We know what's happening. The question that matters is whether we're ready to act on what the data tells us - particularly around funding for volunteering infrastructure, protecting volunteering data in the census changes, and adjusting to the changing nature of volunteering.

Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering

"It's also the International Year of the Volunteer, and we're using it to build our advocacy goals. If you work with volunteers or care about the infrastructure that supports them, we'd love to hear what you think matters most," Misty says.

A survey about a Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering, which went live at the report launch, has already had 70 responses.

Volunteers, leaders of volunteers, and organisation leaders are all contributing their ideas through the survey.

Some ideas to improve volunteering include:

• Make volunteer vetting processes more joined up e.g. a volunteer passport
• Funding for organisations to reimburse volunteers e.g. for petrol
• A way to record volunteer efforts that they can use e.g. hours, qualifications, achievements
• More data/research to show the value of volunteering in NZ

 “We welcome all ideas to enable us to better advocate for greater recognition of volunteering. Government, funders, community organisations and volunteers can all help shape the future for volunteering,” Michelle says.

Find out more on The State of the Decade of Volunteering report page.