Volunteering Conference will shape the future of volunteering

Volunteer managers and leaders of volunteers from across the country will come together to explore research and new approaches shaping the future of volunteering at the Volunteering New Zealand Conference on 16 October in Rotorua.

“This year is International Volunteer Year which is prompting a renewed purpose to improve volunteering infrastructure and practice,” says Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand.

“Our annual conference is an opportunity for volunteer managers or those who run community organisations with a volunteer workforce, to connect with peers, share learning and explore new ideas.”

Key sessions include:

• The economics of the sector, with eminent economist Shamubeel Eaqub
• The human side of leadership, with Dr Ellen Joan Ford
• Reimagining volunteering for Gen Z, with Aditi Tiwari
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Practical workshops include:

• Flexibility in volunteering
• Storytelling for your organisation
• Selfish volunteering – redefining volunteering
• Leading change from the ground up.

Attendees at the 2025 conference said:

“A very good day. Well-organised, and some inspiring speakers. It has given me some pointers on things I could work on in our own volunteer programme.”

“This hui was yet another Volunteering New Zealand success. I gained a positive perspective of diverse and changing environments, and [learnt about the] constructive and challenging aspects of volunteer management... A great collaboration of like-minded individuals and organisations.”

Call to Action

The Conference will conclude with a Call to Action for the future of volunteering.

“Our Call-to-Action survey has gathered hundreds of views about what is needed to improve volunteering in New Zealand. We look forward tosharing the results in our Call to Action for government and funders of thecommunity and voluntary sector,” Michelle says.

More information about the Volunteering New Zealand Conference.