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During National Volunteer Week 2019, we were lucky to have Thuy Tran speak at the launch of our Te Rautaki mō Whanaungatanga: A National Strategy to Support Volunteering for Recent Migrants at Parliament.

Thuy was one of the volunteers we spoke to, to help inform our strategy and we were inspired by her speech at the event. To recognise International Volunteer Day 2019 (5 December) we're sharing Thuy's speech, which resonates with the campaign theme 'Volunteer for an Inclusive Future – E whai wāhi ai te katoa, kia tūao te tū'.

This theme is focused around SDG 10 and the pursuit of equality – including inclusion – through volunteerism.

Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Thuy, a Vietnamese volunteer from English Language Partners New Zealand. It is my honor to be here to join the effort of building a community of peace and sustainability.

I started volunteering in 2004 at a pagoda where nuns offered shelter to disadvantaged children.

My university professor - Dan White conducted a project to engage university students in community work.

I will forever remember the very first day at the pagoda.

There were about 20 children from the age of 0 to 5.

I stood near a hammock where an infant was lying.

She was happy, playful, but looked very pale and skinny.

She was having a severe case of heart disease and would survive up to only two months.

I kept asking myself “Why two months?”.

She had no choice in the matter, but I have a choice.

I did not know exactly what I could do to help, but I came anyway, and do all I can.

Volunteering has transformed my life

Volunteering has transformed my life, being grateful for a life given and being responsible to what I am offered.

Volunteering has brought out the positive pieces in me.

The choice to come to NZ was a difficult one when my daughter was just one year old at the time.

I had been waiting for this opportunity for 10 years in pursuit of a master's degree at Victoria University of Wellington.

We didn’t know at all what it was going to be like here, so only me and husband came.

We arrived in New Zealand in a rush, at the peak time of house hunting and travelling.

We did not know anybody here.

With a limited budget, we went for more than 40 viewings and none worked out for us.

We did subletting and it was two days away from the ending-day.

The hotels were full, accommodation lodges were full.

Then, I received a phone call from an unknown Vietnamese lady offering us a place.

I did not know her, and neither her friends.

Till then, I truly understand the importance of networking.

How I can meet new people? how I can connect?

The answer was volunteering.

I started searching online and decided to join English Language Partners Wellington and I have been loving it.

What impressed my husband and me was the welcoming feeling, the positive energy that came to us right away and kept us moving forwards.

Knowing our story, Emma Stein - the programme coordinator introduced us to the Job Mentoring Service and my husband finally found a job after 6 months. Then, we got to know Conservation Volunteer, reaching out to our Vietnamese community, and here we are with Volunteering New Zealand.

It is a great feeling of seeing how people value my feedback, wanting to hear from me, asking how I am doing, and helping me to do the job the best I can. I have learned what it really means “no hierarchy” from the work I am volunteering and embrace it.

We are grateful for the full support of those services. We are very happy with life here when our daughter loves her Victoria Kids School very much as I love my Victoria University. And my husband is very happy with the job he is doing at I-lign Software company and his amazing colleagues.

Now I am joining Job Mentoring Service to seek for a job while continuing to volunteer. In volunteering, I am lifted up through hard times. For every connection has been made, I am empowered.

Together, we strongly support each other in a race that everyone wins and no one is left behind.

He tangata o Aotearoa. Thank you New Zealand for giving us a wonderful adventure.

Tēnā koutou katoa.

• Thuy Tran.
• June 2019.

This is Thuy's original speech and we thank Thuy for giving us permission to share.Learn more about International Volunteer Day 2019 here

Age is no barrier to volunteering for Kevin O’Brien.

Kevin is just short of his 86^th birthday but you wouldn't know it — he is a dedicated volunteer in Ashburton.For sixteen years, Kevin has given his time and talents to St Vincent De Paul.

In his role, Kevin is responsible for picking up and delivering furniture from their opportunity shop on Ashburton's Triangle, and he is in charge of the firewood that St Vincent De Paul give to those in need.Kevin’s upbringing and strong faith gave him a good grounding for this work, which involves being there for others and giving them a hand up.

This isn’t Kevin’s first foray into volunteering.

Even while farming full time, Kevin volunteered with the Lowcliffe Red Cross, and he is now on the Conservation and Property Committee of Mid Canterbury Catholic Parish.Kevin says he could not do all he does with his volunteering if it wasn't for the support and understanding of his wife Pat — who is also a volunteer for Red Cross.

He is quick to point out that he is part of a team of St Vincent De Paul volunteers and more are always needed.Kevin was the first Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury and the Hotel Ashburton Volunteer of the Month.

Kevin was nominated by Presbyterian Support, as they really appreciate the support St Vincent De Paul and in particular Kevin, provides to their clients.

There is something special about the interweaving that goes on between organisations in the Ashburton District.

Organisations in the district work together and because they network, they can weave their services together to provide the most appropriate and helpful support.Kevin O’BrienSt Vincent De Paul

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

There’s no stopping Karen Lee and Nicholas Connop when it comes to rubbish!Karen and Nicholas are two amazing people determined to clean up Whangārei.

Karen started the Love Whangārei Monthly Clean Up in October 2017, with Nicholas joining a few months later, as a way to keep the city clean and green.

Every month the Love Whangārei Monthly Clean Up team chooses an area in Whangārei, rallies their band of faithful volunteers and gets out there to clean it up.Nick and Karen and a bunch of volunteers take to an area of Whangārei and give it a massive clean-up over a two hour period.

During their November Clean Up in Raumanga, they collected over two tonnes of rubbish.

This included a full large skip, an additional huge pile of rubbish and a truck load of scrap metal.

Sometimes they are called out to fix a problem, such as a mountain of flyers dumped at a local reserve.

The clean up started out with just a few people taking part, but has since grown to a far-reaching and steady group of volunteers ready to keep their own community spaces clean of rubbish, and now has the backing of the local council and mayor.

About 30 people take part in each monthly clean up.The Love Whangārei Monthly Clean Up’s parent group, F.O.R.C.E. (For Our Real Clean Environment), is now a fully-fledged charitable trust.

The philosophy behind both groups is to undertake, facilitate and inspire solutions to waste, to restore a real clean environment for future generations.

So far, they are doing a brilliant job of getting Whangārei clean and green!Original story by Janette Morrison, volunteer reporter for Volunteering Northland.

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

My name is Jenny Pearce and to be honest, I can’t remember when I first starting volunteering at horse events.

It just grew from the fact that I really don’t like sitting doing nothing.

I have to find something to fill the time between riding my horses at an event.One of my main volunteer positions is as Event Secretary for the Taihape Dressage Champs.

This is a national competition run by a very small committee.

My job is to coordinate all the competitors, volunteers and officials, making sure everything runs smoothly, but I also like to make sure everyone has fun.

Our event is just before Christmas so we have a Christmas theme, with Santa hats for all the volunteers and officials, as well as Santa doing our prizegiving.I am also the Treasurer for the Taihape A&P Association.

I started out as the Horse Event Secretary but as the horse numbers dropped, I picked up more and more of the main show duties which has been great and introduced me to more of the logistics of running such a diverse event.

From wood chopping to gumboot throwing to ensuring there are enough port-a-loos and rubbish bins, it certainly keeps you on your toes!

I think the great thing about these jobs is working with the other volunteers and having fun.

Some of my volunteer positions are a bit more involved.

I am the Cross Country Controller for the Horse of the Year event, and in this job I setup and manage a radio network of around 70 people, ranging from jump judges to officials to medics.

At times this can be a very intense but I enjoy the challenge of keeping everything running smoothly, especially when you have Olympic level riders and officials that you working with.I love the challenge of a job well done, and it is the small things that count.

Making sure that the flowers around are dressage arena are nicely colour coordinated, ensuring all the paperwork is in order and easily understandable, and most importantly, that all the volunteers I have asked to help get a thank box of chocolates or wine or even a Santa hat.At the end of the day there is nothing better sitting with a great bunch of people and discussing what we have achieved and what we can improve upon next year.Jenny PearceTaihape Dressage Champs

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

International Volunteer Day (IVDay), 5 December 2019.The theme this year is 'Volunteer for an Inclusive Future - E whai wāhi ai te katoa, kia tūao te tū'.IVDay is an international event run by UN Volunteers and celebrated every year on 5 December.

It champions the impact volunteers have in communities, nationally and globally.The campaign theme for IVDay 2019 is focused around SDG 10 and the pursuit of equality – including inclusion – through volunteerism.

This IVDay is an opportunity for us all to promote volunteerism and to encourage decision makers to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of an inclusive future.

It also an opportunity to recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals at a local, national and international level.The theme for IVDay 2019 will specifically focus on:- Volunteerism empowering people to participate in their own communities andfostering inclusion- Volunteering promoting inclusion, diversity, non-discrimination- Volunteerism as a mechanism to reduce inequalities in society.Learn more about SDG 10Volunteer for an Inclusive Future!

E whai wāhi ai te katoa, kia tūao te tū! #volunteer4inclusion #IVD2019

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Christeen is originally from Israel, she moved to New Zealand with her husband and her 3 year old daughter in 2018.

Her first step to meet people and get experience on the job was through Multicultural Whangarei, where she was introduced to Volunteering Northland.During her time volunteering with Multicultural Whangarei she has been a great asset to the office not only by sharing her wide administrative/accounting knowledge but also by volunteering in one off time events and participating of workshops like “The Treaty of Waitangi”.

The benefits Christeen gained from volunteering

 Getting to know people and widen her social network Learning more about New Zealand customs and culture Able to practice her English which improved her fluency and confidence on the language New Zealand working experience Had fun and felt good by helping others

Christeen has also showed interest in other administrative volunteering roles after participating of the Volunteering Northland Guided Workshop not long ago, which she really enjoyed.

Unfortunately, her situation has changed and due to not having been successful in getting a paid job to support her family, she has decided to go back home.By Nataly Cardoso.Thank you Volunteering Northland for sharing this inspiring story about Christeen.

Volunteering New Zealand have produced a National Strategy to Support Volunteering for Recent Migrants, we encourage you all to read it here.

Jackie Roos started working in the kitchen at Otago Community Hospice five years ago.

She had planned to volunteer for a long time, but seeing an ad in the paper got her through the door.“It was about time that I got my act together and put my effort where my mouth was.

I had time, and I really appreciate the concept of hospice.”After several years in the kitchen, Jackie responded to another ad, this time looking for companions for patients.“I could see the need for it.

I saw people sometimes being alone, and we all know how very busy the nurses are, so it felt like having companions could fill a gap.”At first, Jackie was worried that she would get too attached.

But part of the training and induction was to go through the boundaries that need to be in place and that really helped her adjust.“I found the training sessions really great.

They really tested us by going through the kinds of situations we might find ourselves in.

There were lots of people involved in the training and there was really great backup and support,” she says. “Once I’d had the training I was busting to get start and make a difference to families and patients.”

After a slow start, Jackie says her “eureka moment” came when she was sitting with an unconscious man while his family took some time out.“His son walked in and I said ‘I’m keeping your father company’.

The look on his face showed such massive relief.

It was when I realised what a difference a companion could make.

I felt like I was doing something really worthwhile.Jackie always manages to find something in common with patients — Dunedin, after all, is a very small place.

She says it can take time to find your feet and confidence as a companion, but it’s worth it.“It’s a very varied role; sometimes it’s just making a cup of tea for family members, or going for a walk with a patient who hasn’t been outside for a while, or offering up a bit of distraction, like watching the cricket with a patient.

It’s a very rewarding role.

And I feel like I’m part of the team.”Jackie Roos Otago Community Hospice

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

My name is Hannah, a born and bred Southlander and teacher aide.

Being a volunteer for GirlGuiding is an incredible way to continue learning and give back to the community.

The girls are hilarious — they constantly make me laugh, but also help me to see things in a completely different way, which keeps me learning.

I love being a role model for the girls, teaching them valuable life skills, as well as teamwork and leadership skills.

The GirlGuiding Programme is amazing and it's super easy to follow and implement.

You are provided with all the training to develop the skills you need.

Last term we introduced the girls to a part of Southland that they had never seen before and explored a wild cave system.

The caves were cool, dark and mysterious, and although we didn't find a pirate's treasure or even a hibernating bear, the girls (and grown ups alike!) saw and experienced things that stimulated their imaginations and curiosity about the natural world.

The girls haven't stopped talking about the experience since, and I imagine it will be something everyone will remember for a long time.

What I found to be biggest reward about volunteering is it enables you to make a difference in the lives of others, gain confidence and self esteem, feel valued and part of a team, while gaining new skills, knowledge and experiences.

The decision to volunteer has been a great one!Hannah RalstonGirl Guiding New Zealand

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

My name is Matt, I’m 22 and have been hanging out with my friend Duncan who I met through the IHC Volunteer Friendship Programme in Wellington for over a year now.The IHC Volunteer Friendship Programme is all about developing genuine friendships between volunteers and a person with an intellectual disability.

Friends are encouraged to spend time in their community enjoying activities and hobbies that they’re both interested in together.Duncan and I met in the beginning of 2018 and we haven’t looked back!

We like to go out and socialise together over a beer (or two), catch a new release movie – or an old classic, go out for dinner and even just hang out at home and chat.

We have such similar interests so it’s easy to find things we both like to do – the hard part is deciding in which order to do them.

Our friendship is something really special we’ve built together over the past year.

What was initially an opportunity for me to give back to the community, has helped me find a genuine friend and someone I not only am able to support, but who also supports me.

Duncan and I get along terrifically and both feel really comfortable to open up to each other and chat about things we’re going through.

It’s not the easiest thing finding someone who you really get along with and trust, so I’m thrilled to have that with Duncan.Over the period of our friendship, I’ve introduced Duncan to some of my other close friends and family – he’s so easy-going and gets along with everyone.

He has a real sense of confidence that just radiates off him so it’s been great introducing him to my friends and hanging out as a group.

It’s also been great getting to know Duncan’s parents and I enjoyed meeting some of his close friends at his recent 30^th birthday celebrations.I’m so grateful to have a friend like Duncan and the IHC has done an amazing job with matching us together – they’ve helped to create a friendship that will last forever!Duncan and MattIHC Volunteer Friendship Programme

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

Bev Verner volunteers as a Caring Caller for St John in Whitianga.

She explains how she got involved and why she enjoys volunteering.Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born in Christchurch but I’ve lived in Whitianga on and off for about 40 years.

I’m married and have two children who are all grown up.

In 1995 I was diagnosed with Retinitis pigmentosa and I lost my sight in 2002.

I have a great guide dog called Fergie, who gives me the independence to go out and about.

I’ve been retired for some time and I’m involved in an art group run by Coromandel Independent Living Trust.

I have been creating mosaics with tiles for a few years now.Tell us about your volunteer role with St John. I am a St John Caring Caller, which is a free telephone service for people who live alone or feel a bit lonely.

I have regular conversations with two ladies who live in different towns.

I call one of them every day and the other once a week.

How did you get into volunteering with St John? There was an advert on the radio asking for volunteers for Caring Caller.

My daughter heard it and said, “That’s something you can do Mum.” That’s how it all started.

I signed up and have been involved ever since.

I’ve been volunteering as a Caring Caller for 15 years.Why do you volunteer for St John? This is something that I can do.

There are not many things I can do by myself but this is one.

Both ladies I call live on their own and I can tell that it helps when I call them.

I know that regular phone calls make a difference.What have you gained from being a volunteer? I like being able to help others – I feel satisfied knowing I’m helping other people.

It’s about giving back because everybody around me is always helping me.Please share a memorable moment or event in during your time as a volunteer. There have been so many moments when I’ve called someone when they’ve been feeling really down and after talking to them for a while on the phone, they eventually come out of their shell and by the end of the conversation they’re laughing.Would you recommend others volunteer for St John and why? I do recommend volunteering with St John.

It’s very satisfying knowing you can help somebody and it really makes a difference.Bev VernerSt John Caring Caller

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

I’ve had the great honour of volunteering at our local prison for the last two years.

This started off sharing some of the practices and tools of yoga, but in the last few months has morphed into sharing the work on mindfulness, as if it had been given wings.It all happened in the Drug Treatment Unit of Mangaroa Prison in Hawkes Bay.

I’d recently told the prison that I was only available to help with one yoga series this year.

But these guys, and their eagerness and dedication to continue, were compelling.

I talked to them about offering an eight week mindfulness course that I teach.

I said it would be demanding and that they would need to advocate for this programme to pull it off.

They did.

Along with the fantastic volunteer coordinator, and against many odds due to course requirements and space, we made it happen.To say I have a million words and none at the same time would be true.

It has truly has been a huge gift to my life.The feedback from the men who took part showed the course was highly valued, and the men feel they benefited in different ways, from reducing stress levels and anger to improving sleep and focus.But for me, the success was clear in many subtle ways.

I mean, how do you quantify the great courage it takes to look into your own personal darkness - to sit with feelings of deep shame and come out with a different look in your eye?

How do you describe how someone that would once enter the room highly agitated, head down, eyes darting, could now be that guy who makes sure everyone else is doing their daily practice?

How do you describe someone sharing that they now understand what I meant when I asked them to feel into their future selves — because it is the same feeling he has when he remembers his small son looking up at him?

The volunteer coordinator came to our final closing celebration and award ceremony.

The men each stood and spoke.

She said she had never heard feedback like it.

She wondered how I managed not to cry.

The truth is I have cried many times - but at that time I was so very proud of each of the seven men that had the courage and tenacity to stay with this programme.Here are some snippets of the feedback from the men who took part:"This is a mean as course for reducing anger.

My focus has improved a lot.

I’m listening more and sleeping better.

I learnt a lot about myself, being positive and positive affirmations.

It has helped me in so many ways and will be part of me for the rest of my life.""This course has helped me settle my mind, notice my thoughts and stop me from reacting.

I’ve learnt more at mindfulness than anything else in prison.

""Thank you for your time, wisdom and energy.

For someone like me who is a bit ADHD, it’s teaching my brain new ways to process through life.

I only wish I had have come to this earlier in my life."

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

Holly Hearsum explains how volunteering at Happiness House has helped her find fulfillment in Queenstown.I finished university in the UK, and like many others felt a little lost in what to do after being guided through education my whole life.

I decided I wanted to travel and see the world while I still had the enthusiasm and energy!The more I heard and read about New Zealand, the more it appealed to me.

It sounded like paradise; with spectacular mountains and lakes, and sparsely populated compared to the UK, with much more nature than towns and cities.

I applied for a year’s working holiday visa and spent a blissful month exploring the South Island before deciding to settle in Queenstown.

I was attracted by the buzz and liveliness of the place, as well as the extraordinary beauty and nearby outdoor activities.

Like almost everyone else on a working holiday visa I got a hospitality job.

This was a good way to meet people and find the social scene but I somehow felt unfulfilled.

I looked into any local volunteering and found Happiness House, a community centre.

They are a great place with a welcoming vibe and friendly staff.

They have an op shop which constantly needs sorting due to the huge amount of donations they get.

I've met many wonderful people while volunteering there, and there's always a buzzing kitchen with a fire and tea and cookies.

I got to explore my creative side by holding a craft class there, which people seemed to enjoy!Volunteering there has been fulfilling in so many ways.

It has been great to help the local community, while being introduced to a whole range of interesting people.

It has also opened my eyes in deciding a pathway for my potential future career when I return to the UK.

Two of my highlights have been holding the craft class, and helping to set up the annual winter fundraiser which so far has been a great success!Holly HearsumHappiness House

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

Dressage is a sport that relies on thousands of volunteer hours — and Chris Lovelady has put in her fair share over the past 26 years.Chris has taken on various volunteer roles through Canterbury Dressage Group and Dressage New Zealand, helping with everything from publicity to sponsorship to administration.

She has also taken her skills to the international stage, acting as Chef d’Equipe (manager) of the New Zealand team competing at the World Dressage Championships, and accompanying a team of young riders to the Queensland Youth Championships in Australia last year.“Opportunities like this would not be possible without the many volunteers and New Zealanders have such a great attitude toward helping others this way,” Chris says. “I have enjoyed my volunteering over the years, working with other volunteers, supporting riders and sharing skills, and plan to continue volunteering in the future.”Chris says she has gained a lot from her experiences as a volunteer.“I believe volunteers have that same thread that runs through them – one of giving to others to help them achieve success.

Volunteering is a great way for people to make new friends, connections and have a real sense of purpose.

I have made some great friendships over the years, learned new skills and have been able to share my skills with others.”

Chris LoveladyCanterbury Dressage Group

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

My name is Wendy Joy Baker and I live in Nightcaps, Southland.

I have been a dedicated volunteer for over 35 years, doing a diverse range of work in various parts of New Zealand.

For the past decade I have written and presented 20 respectful war history poems at RSA services in the North and South Islands.I feel that it is at these soulful services for ANZAC Day and Armistice Day that the theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week — Weaving The People Together — really stands true.

On these poignant days we all come together with respect for our war heroes, some of whom would have been volunteers, and we honour their courage and dedicated duty to serve their country.

I have also presented my poetry at church services, at a school, in rest homes, and created displays in cafes, libraries and shop windows.

It is my heartfelt tribute to my war veteran ancestors and every brave war veteran.

My poems bring connection and love to all who value what our heroes did for us.I am proud of my volunteer work in the many forms like sports, art and environment.

It is wonderful to meet other like-minded volunteers who help others and show sincere goodness.All volunteers should be appreciated.

Everything people do is important.

It is about caring and sharing.

Volunteers are all `woven together` as one great global team.Wendy Baker

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

Yvonne Ball volunteers as a team leader for the St John Hospital Friends programme in Oamaru.

She talks about how she got involved in volunteering, and why she finds giving back rewarding.Tell us a bit about yourself I am originally from Auckland and am a single mum of three children; two are all grown up and have moved away and I have a beautiful granddaughter.

My youngest child (now a teenager) has severe autism and epilepsy.

I work for IHC as a Family Whanau Liaison in the North Otago region.

I love the beach and animals – I have two dogs.

Life is pretty busy but in my spare time I enjoy heading away on road trips and exploring new places in our caravan, time on my own and even the odd day curled up on the couch binge watching television.Tell us about your volunteer role with St JohnI think I am pretty lucky.

I get to do the odd shift as a St John Hospital Friend, which means sitting with patients in hospital while they are waiting to see a nurse or doctor.

Often these people are alone, so our role is to simply give them company, offer them a magazine or to grab them hot drinks and food while they are waiting.

I also have the most amazing group of ladies that I work with.

They are a wonderful team that works well together, which means I just support them whenever I am needed.

I organise the monthly catch up meetings, take notes, do monthly reports, gather information when needed, co-ordinate the roster and any training, cover a shift if someone is unable to work and make sure everyone is doing ok.

I also support St John when it needs help with the application and interview process for volunteers and anything else that ensures things run as smoothly as possible.How did you get into volunteering with St John? I had decided I wanted to do something to help others but wasn’t sure what.

I knew that I didn’t want a role that requires a huge time commitment.

It wasn’t about money for me as I was really looking for something that would make a difference, something that I would enjoy and that would allow me to continue building on my current skill set.

I saw an advert in my local paper calling on volunteers for St John and thought, wow, I can do that and three to five hours a week felt doable for me.

How long have you volunteered with St John? I’ve been volunteering as a St John Hospital Friend for a year now.Why do you volunteer for St John? Having a special needs daughter has meant we have had regular trips in ambulances over the years and I had always had the most amazing service and care during those very stressful times.

To be honest, I have had a couple of wee accidents that have also required an ambulance trip to the hospital.

My family had been St John supporters for several years and I loved the thought of not only being able to give back from our experience, but also supporting an organisation that continues to help people like us in a time of crisis.What have you gained from being a volunteer? It is a wonderful feeling to know you are working in and helping your community; knowing that your small contribution really does make a difference.

To be able to help someone feel supported in a time of crisis is really special.

Although I don’t experience that personally unless I am working a shift, I do get it, because I support those ladies who sit with people in a time of fear, loneliness, pain and stress.

If I didn’t do my little bit to support the volunteers with their role of helping patients and their families in hospital, then they wouldn’t be able to focus on doing the amazing and very much appreciated role that they have.What are the highlights of being a volunteer? One of the highlights of volunteer is being part of a team that really does make a positive difference in people’s lives during a time of crisis.Share a memorable moment or event in during your time as a volunteerI was doing a shift in ED when a patient was brought in, he didn’t have anyone with him, nor did he have his cellphone.

I was able to do a little detective work and contact a family member to come and be with him.

I sat with him until that person arrived; he was very grateful, and the hospital support person gave me a big hug for managing to find her.

What was so special is that when I do the odd shift, I don’t often get to see someone again.

In this instance, while I was doing paperwork at the hospital the following week, I ran into this patient having a check-up.

It was just so lovely to see him getting better and they were so thankful for what I considered such a small thing I did.Would you recommend others to volunteer for St John and why? Absolutely – it is an awesome organisation from my experience.

Not only are its services so valuable and needed in our communities, the people are awesome!Yvonne BallSt John Hospital Friends

Interactive Volunteer Stories Map

This story was shared as part of our interactive map of volunteer stories from across Aotearoa, which we launched during #NVW2019.

This map is filled with stories from volunteers throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand.

This map celebrates the contribution of volunteers in their communities throughout Aotearoa.

It aims to inspire people to engage in volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action and to realise the benefits of weaving their communities together through their actions.

To mark Te Wiki o te Reo Māori I Māori Language Week we're reflecting on the link between speaking te Reo at work and job satisfaction.

There are many meaningful ways to learn and use te Reo and we hope to inspire you to try some of them. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori runs from 9-15 September and is an opportunity for celebration, promotion and encouragement of te Reo Māori.

The extra benefits of embracing te Reo

New research from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) found that organisations that incorporate te Reo Māori in their workplaces benefit from increased job satisfaction.

Essentially, te Reo Māori usage is beneficial from a Human Resource perspective as it fosters personal and organisational wellness.

In fact, incorporating Māori language, terminology and tikanga Māori "significantly enhanced" workplace mindfulness and job satisfaction, researchers found.Organisations that incorporate te Reo Māori in their workplaces benefit from increased job satisfaction, new research from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) shows.

Meaningful learning

Here at VNZ I have been doing a weekly te Reo class in our lunch break.

There is a group of us doing it together from our shared office space.We have a really great teacher, Krissi from Kūwaha.

Kūwaha means 'entrance' or 'gateway' and they aim to deliver tailor-made, high-quality professional development courses in te reo Māori to organisations located in Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington.Krissi creates a learning environment thats supportive, encouraging and safe.

Learning te Reo with friends and colleagues has really made it meaningful.

Because we are in a shared work space, we have the space to practice and support each other.

It has also been great to have some more formal learning, building on what I have learnt informally or previously through school or whanau.Te Reo Māori is a language for all New Zealanders.

Let’s commit to try and get better at using it.Michelle Kitney, Interim Chief ExecutiveVolunteering New Zealand.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori I Māori Language Week Resources:

• Download Te Wiki o te Reo Māori resources here.
• Take part in Te Wiki o te Reo Māori events here.
• Ways to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori here.
• Make a language plan here.
• Māori Volunteering Research here.