National Volunteer Week celebrates millions of volunteers

National Volunteer Week, which runs from 15–21 June, is the biggest celebration of volunteering in New Zealand.

Volunteering New Zealand | Tūao Aotearoa leads this national event. This year’s theme is Whiria te tangata – Weaving the people together.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to thank the millions of volunteers who make a difference to our communities every day. We know of 50 events being held by volunteer centres and community organisations celebrating over 3000 volunteers,” says Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand.  

Over 53% of adult New Zealanders volunteer, either for organisations or directly helping others. Formal volunteering is worth $6.4billion 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.

Find out more at: https://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/campaigns/national-volunteer-week

ENDS

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Volunteering    statistics

·       Volunteering participation continues to increase: Over half of New Zealanders (53.0%) volunteered over the previous four weeks. This is an increase of 4.5% from the previous period (50.7% in 2021).

·       Average hours volunteered have increased: The average hours people volunteered were 18.1 hours over the previous four weeks. This is an increase of 2.2 from 2021, when the average hours people volunteered were 15.9 hours over the previous four weeks.

·       The financial value of volunteering is calculated from 231.2 million hours per year x the living wage ($27.80) = $6.43 billion. Including formal and direct volunteering 516.74 billion hours x the living wage ($27.80) = $14.37 billion.

·       People aged those aged 45 to 64  are doing most of the volunteering: The age group with the highest rates of volunteering are those aged 45 to 64, with 59.3% of people in this age group volunteering either directly or through an organisation. 54.1% of people aged 65 and above volunteer.

·       5 hours or less every four weeks is most common time given: 32.5% of people volunteered for less than 5 hours over the previous 4 weeks – the most common amount of volunteering work done

Source: 2023  General Social Survey (26 March 2025 Wellbeing Statistics Update).

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