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.

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