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Be Inspired. Be Involved!

New Zealand is a nation of avid volunteers, with 21.5% of New Zealanders undertaking volunteer work. Each year they volunteer for 159 million hours, contributing $4 billion to New Zealand’s gross domestic product.Typically when we think of volunteering, we think of an opportunity that requires an ongoing commitment that can last for months or years. But if people cite having less time to offer these days to volunteering, how can they find ways to meaningfully contribute without committing long-term? Enter microvolunteering.‘It should be the goal of microvolunteering outlets to enable volunteers to put their idle time to use, rather than asking them to set aside some of their productive time for volunteering.’ (Michael Mersiades, October 2018).

What is microvolunteering?

Microvolunteering is a small task or project, that is convenient, quick to undertake and often (thanks to the prevalence of smartphones and access to the internet) done online. It’s a concept that’s been around for years, and is referred to by various terms, including ‘byte-sized volunteering’, ‘episodic volunteering’ and ‘virtual volunteering.’ Any volunteer-involving organisation can incorporate microvolunteering into their organisation.For volunteers: examples of micro and virtual volunteering

• Sign a petition online. Check out ActionStation – New Zealand’s people powered petition platform.
• Donate computer processing time – e.g. setting up a Facebook event, designing a logo, finding content for an organisation's online newsletter.
• Promote a cause or charity on social media - share their updates and information.
• Sign up to an online pen pal service or caring caller phone service.
• Take part in Inclusive Aotearoa Collective's kaupapa of creating and building belonging and help create a more inclusive Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Contact your local Volunteer Centre or online volunteering opportunity website to support you in finding virtual volunteering roles.For organisations: micro and virtual volunteering resources and ideas

• Check out VNZ's virtual volunteering resources page.
• What is micro volunteering and how can we do it? Be inspired by Cheryll Martin from Volunteering Auckland, where she talks about 'mini moments of kindness'.
• Encourage your team to take part in Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono's survey and events - help create a more inclusive Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Contact your local Volunteer Centre or online volunteering opportunity website to support you in finding volunteers for virtual volunteering roles.

Benefits of microvolunteering for volunteers and organisations

Microvolunteering opportunities have the potential to attract a wider diversity and greater number of people, including those who would otherwise not have the time or inclination to get involved.It can give the ‘doer’ a taster of an organisation, which can serve as a pathway to longer term volunteering. It’s also a great way to maintain the motivation of those looking to volunteer longer term, whilst waiting for formal processes (such as security or reference checks) to be completed. Microvolunteering can also offer access to the expertise of skilled volunteers, including those who may be far away or employed full-time. For volunteer involving organisations keen to learn more, there are some great tips online to help you set up a microvolunteering action. Try this guide from the UK’s ‘Help from Home’ initiative here.Remember to tag Volunteering New Zealand in social media so we can see how you're taking part in Microvolunteering Day! Also, use the international hashtag #Microday. Heidi QuinnVolunteering AdvisorVolunteering New Zealand

I was first introduced to Youthline when my cousin, an experienced helpline counsellor, mentioned it to me as someone interested in and studying psychology. I was already interested in doing more volunteer work, so Youthline appealed to both my personal interest and my desire to help others.My current volunteer role at Youthline is as a mentor where I provide support and feedback for trainees on the helpline. Specifically, my support involves being available to trainees for suggestions during a call, and me checking-in with a trainee after calls or when they may feel a bit off.

Be it struggles with depression or stress about leaving school, I find it highly rewarding to be able to recognise and cater to the needs of an individual. I know that the vast majority of those who reach out to us are, at the moment when they reach out, in great need of and relying on us to support them. I maintain a regular presence on the helpline because I am aware that without such investment from the volunteers, such a service could not be sustained. With New Zealand’s youth suicide rates being among the highest in the OECD, combined with there being too few volunteer counsellors for Youthline to constantly cover the helpline, my personal impact and the need for it is high.My present volunteering is the culmination of two and a half years of experience with Youthline which has provided me with an array of new interpersonal skills, a warmer disposition, a greater understanding and experience with mental health, and a supportive community. Fundamentally, volunteering with Youthline has offered me a strong sense of fulfilment from providing an essential and neglected service to many who need it.Mac JordanYouthline

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.

The power and potential of volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action shines through at times when our communities are stretched and challenged. To help support and inspire volunteers and your community, we’ve created some social media graphics you can use!

1. Think of others, consider your actions and be kind: People in every community will face the challenges of COVID-19 in some way – be kind, think of others and consider your actions >>DOWNLOAD

2. Connect and reach out to your neighbours: We need to find new ways to stay connected and check in on one another for mental wellbeing. Share phone numbers and stay in touch. Keep an eye on your elderly neighbours in particular, as they’re at a greater risk of developing more serious illness as a result of the virus. >>DOWNLOAD

3. Make the most of local online groups: Keep up to date, share information and strive to be a positive part of your local community conversations. >>DOWNLOAD

4. Support vulnerable or isolated people: Different groups in our communities are at increased risk and social isolation and loneliness are key concerns for all ages. There are things you can do like virtual volunteering for local support services or donating to food banks to help. >>DOWNLOAD

5. Share accurate information and advice: Support anyone who may be anxious about COVID-19. >>DOWNLOAD

The power and potential of volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action shines through at times when our communities are stretched and challenged. Here are five ways we can all help out. Please note: as the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolves we encourage you to keep up-to-date with the latest advice via covid19.govt.nz. This could mean some of the information in this blog will no longer be relevant.In addition to health benefits, volunteering gives people a sense of purpose, especially at this troubling time. The fulfilling feeling of giving back and contributing to society is unparalleled. Giving back is also a great way to get to know your community and its citizens and to strengthen your community as a whole.

Community response powered by volunteers

People in our communities are already responding to the impacts of COVID-19 through informal, local mutual aid groups to support one another at this time. Help could involve activities from running errands to the shops, to making phone calls, to providing a friendly voice of reassurance.It is also taking place through the many existing local charities and community groups that are already putting in place plans to ramp up trained volunteer support and finding ways to deliver services in different ways.By working together we can reduce the curb of COVID-19 infection in New Zealand, and support each other to ensure that even if we are self-isolating, that we do not feel disconnected or isolated from our communities.Kindness and connection can be sustained or given and received even when we are practicing social distancing.

Community Action Response - five things you can do:

The best way we can all help is to ensure we follow the Ministry of Health advice on staying healthy and self-isolating if unwell and looking after ourselves first. Once you are sure we have your own health in hand then we can look at how we support friends, whānau and neighbours to see if anyone in your local networks needs support.Here are 5 things we can do, once we have looked after ourselves.1. Think of others, consider your actions and be kind: People in every community will face the challenges of COVID-19 in some way – from needing basic provisions to help while they are unwell.>> Be inspired by how small acts of kindness create global impact in this TEDX talk2. Connect and reach out to your neighbours: As self-isolation increases, we need to find new ways to stay connected and check in on one another for our physical and mental wellbeing. Share phone numbers and stay in touch. Keep an eye on your elderly neighbours in particular, as they’re at a greater risk of developing more serious illness as a result of the virus.>> Learn tips and advice from Neighbourhood Support.3. Make the most of local online groups: Keep up to date, share information and strive to be a positive part of your local community conversations.>> Use platforms like Neighbourly.4. Support vulnerable or isolated people: Different groups in our communities are at increased risk and social isolation and loneliness are key concerns for all ages. There are things you can do like volunteering for local support services or donating to food banks to help.>> Student Volunteer Army has activated its pandemic response service to assist people in need - there is great advice on their website.5. Share accurate information and advice: Support anyone who may be anxious about COVID-19.>> Sign-post them to the correct advice from Ministry of Health and encourage people to follow the correct hygiene practices.>> Share the COVID Alerts system [we are currently at level 3]We are all in this together, and the more we look out for each other, the more resilient our communities will be in facing this pandemic and its implications. We want to hear what's happening in your communities - email us on office@volunteeringnz.org.nz and let us know.He waka eke noa – We are all in this together. #COVID19KindnessUpdated: 23/3/2020

After experiencing their own struggles with cancer, Juanita Raunatiri and her whānau wanted to help others who were fighting the disease. Juanita explains how she and her whānau got involved and gave back to help others. We as a whānau wanted to contribute our time and energy to volunteer for many reasons: To share our journey through cancer as a whānau, our journey of hope and love, with others, to guide and help those that have fought and still fighting, and to honour our loved ones lost to cancer.We as a whānau have helped in many areas, giving our time and love to help others and try to make a difference in some way or another. We involved ourselves in Relay for Life, Waitangi days, Daffodil Day and with support and guidance from my whānau I joined the committee for Relay for Life and took the role running survivorship afternoon tea. For us, being involved connected us with people who are and have been on the cancer journey, which for us was quite uplifting — uplifting because we could share hope with those we met.

We love to help people, and this gave us the opportunity to give back and shed light on how we as a whānau managed. If our journey put light on another in their darkest moments, then we are doing what we set out to do.Volunteering for the Cancer Society has helped us build relationships with staff, other volunteers, survivors, carers and fighters, which has been great. Coming together as one to be able to share our views and perspective makes us that little bit closer to making a difference in someone’s life.To see people who we have met smiling and lighter than when we first meet them is a beautiful feeling. To be able to help people using our experiences as a whānau is a rewarding feeling.Juanita RaunatiriCancer Society

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.

Ryan Hooper-Smith, VNZ co-opted youth board member, shares his experiences of volunteering. He encourages us to integrate volunteering into our everyday lives, as small acts of kindness can create big impact!

"As a young person today, myself and many others are exposed to significantly more news, information and current events than generations before us. We’re constantly a click away from some sort of update about local, national or international news that has an opportunity to affect our day-to-day lives. It’s a scary reality when you look at it like that, but in retrospect, we’re actually exposed to a lot more of people’s heart-warming stories, their personal struggles and their desire for a better, more loving world. These are things that pull on the heart strings and make you feel a bit warm and fuzzy inside - and when more and more young people are being exposed to it, it grows a caring generation of empaths. With volunteering being the industry of empathy, it’s so essential that we have these young people involved early on so that we can plant those seeds and see lifetime volunteers more prevalent in our society.

Youth and volunteering: Don't be afraid to jump in!

During my time that I’ve been volunteering, it’s not only been an amazing opportunity to see and learn a lot more about people from different walks of life, but to also take a step back from everything else around you. Often you feel so wrapped up in your own world that it can be really refreshing to get to do things like spending time helping children with their homework, or helping out a cause close to your heart by delivering some pamphlets on a sunny day. It’s these small things that we often don’t realise are “volunteering” but still makes a big impact in the whole scheme of things. Young people like myself shouldn’t be afraid to jump in and do that volunteering, even if it is just for a few hours a week. We all have busy lives, but when you think about how if you took away a little bit of your spare time and gave it to a cause helping your local community or even those in need, you start to see the possibility of the impact you could be having and the difference you could make to a small, but important group of people.

Integrate volunteering into your everyday life

In a country with nearly 5 million great New Zealanders, not only is volunteering key to the people you’re helping, but it’s also key to learning about who you are and where your future could take you. For those students going to university, or even those who are going straight into work, it can make a big impact on your life. By adding a couple of hours a week volunteering, you not only expand your job prospects, but you open yourself up to a whole new world - one where the learnings you take away are vastly different to those you get from a lecture or classroom setting. They are lessons on life, lessons on the world and lessons from people who are usually outside your normal social sphere. It’s so important that all of us, young and old, integrate volunteering into our everyday lives. I’ve found it to be such a vital part of who we are as New Zealanders - and I’m sure it’ll stay like that for years to come."Ryan Hooper-SmithVNZ youth board member

Ryan is a first-year university student studying Commerce and part-time at Trade Me. He has a background in school-based and community volunteering, alongside mental health advocacy.

We are Daniel and Laura. We came together from Colombia to study Masters programmes at the University of Canterbury. In 2018, we attended the university’s Volunteer Week event and found out about the English Language Partners (ELP) Christchurch Home Tutor programme.In the beginning, we thought we were not suitable, since English is not our first language. However, ELP encouraged us to apply, explaining that beyond the language, there are other key features that help migrants and former refugees in their settlement process, such as respect, partnership, diversity and cooperation.

We wanted to volunteer with this programme because from our own experience, we are able to identify with the challenges of living in a new country. Additionally, volunteering benefits the learners as much as the tutors, showing the world is a place with plenty of room for everyone! Getting to know Parwana, a learner from Afghanistan, has been fantastic. Her enthusiasm and eagerness to improve her skills are just remarkable.Being a volunteer with ELP is not only about teaching, but also finding simple ways to broaden our limited perspectives about the world we live in.Daniel & LauraEnglish Language Partners

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.

Seeing smiles on the faces of children living with cancer makes everything worth it for Jennifer Jin Ma.The University of Auckland alumna volunteers for the Summer Children’s Foundation, a charity that organises fun activities for kids undergoing leukaemia treatment. She visits hospitals in Beijing to run the programme.Jennifer says volunteering allows her to provide joy and laughter in times of need.“These little gestures create so much happiness in the lives of children that are unable to go outside or engage playfully as other children would due to their conditions.”The kids regularly hand-make her presents to express their gratitude. Jennifer finds this very moving.“Often after class, they make me little Playdoh flowers or pens and gift these to me as a ‘thank you.’ I have a collection of these and it always warms my heart when I see them.”

When she initially met the children, Jennifer was amazed by how resilient they were.“The first time I volunteered, I expected to be greeted by families who would be very emotional or sad. What was so memorable was their positivity. They were so strong and grateful that their child had a chance to survive. It was very touching to see such strength.”Jennifer encourages others to get involved with volunteering.“There is something wonderful about taking the time out of our busy lives to step outside of our own world and engage with volunteering,” she says. “Too often, we think that what we do doesn’t or won’t make a difference. But in my experience, more often than not our actions will trigger a snowball effect amongst the people close to us and our local community. Nothing is too little to contribute.”Jennifer’s advice to others thinking about volunteering is to simply give it a go.“Find an area that you are genuinely interested in and then just try it. There is no greater feeling than to know you are making a difference in this world.”Jennifer Jin MaSummer Children's Foundation

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.

For Jennifer Mataitis, volunteering is an opportunity to make new friends.As vice president and membership officer of the Alexandra Parents’ Centre, she spends on average about ten hours a month volunteering. The group holds weekly music and movement activities for children under five, which is a great way for parents and children to connect with one another and make sure parents have the support they need, she says.The group provides “meals for mums'' when they have a baby, plus a “new mums pack'' with helpful items including bibs, baby spoons and books. Events the group has run include a rubber duck race, teddy bears picnic, and barbecues.

“Mostly it is just about getting out there and giving back to the community,” Jennifer says. “We are there to help anybody in the community who needs it.''Once a term there is a kapa haka theme for the music and movement, and te reo Maori is incorporated each week.Jennifer is also secretary and treasurer of the Central Otago A&P Show, which is entirely run by volunteers, and is a peer supporter with Mums 4 Mums, a volunteer group which supports mums and dads through the parenting journey.She believes that having a connection to a volunteering group makes it something easy to enjoy.“If it is something that you want to do and it is something that is good for you and your family, you'll find you want to do more of it anyway,” she says. “I love being able to get involved and give back to the community in which I am a part of and show my girls the importance of connecting and working with others.”Jennifer MataitisAlexandra Parents' Centre

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.

You’re never too old to care and help others, and it’s something Whangarei woman Doreen Alexander knows well.Aged 100, Doreen is still volunteering at the Hospice Shop in Whangarei and reckons it helps keep her young.Besides, the sprightly centenarian jokes, if she wasn’t there to keep the rest of the people at the Hospice Shop in line chaos could ensue.And that’s just what she does, as well as keeping everybody happy, entertained and inspired, Hospice retail manager Kathy McMillan said.“She’s just wonderful and has such a great sense of humour. The customers love her and we just love her being herself,” McMillan says. “She’s great with the customers and she has her regulars who come in just to see her on Mondays. She’s also been a regular at the Growers Market on Saturday mornings — she’s such a great volunteer. Her contribution is immense and she’s such an inspiration.”Doreen has been volunteering at the Hospice Shop since May 2001, but has been volunteering “ever since I gave up work”.She started volunteering at Hospice after having a friend go through its palliative services and seeing the outstanding job the organisation does.

“I just wanted to give something back. I love coming here and it gives me something to do. It keeps me young,” Doreen says.She was born in Whangarei, and has lived in the city all her life, and Doreen says the best part about volunteering is being able to give something back to her community.She believes she’s an example that you are never too old to do something for others, and volunteering gives her a real sense of purpose. She’s sure others will get a lot out of giving up some of their own time to help people.In these days when everybody seemed to be busy and rushing, Doreen says taking some time out to do something good would help people cope with their busy lives, as volunteering gave so much pleasure to the volunteer and those they help.“I love it here. I just get such a nice feeling from helping out and knowing you’ve been able to make a contribution.”Doreen AlexanderWhangarei Hospice Shop

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.

Carol Orbel has lived in Wanaka for over 25 years. During her working years she was a nurse, owned a hardware store in Dunedin, worked at Mitre 10 in Wanaka and ran a lodge in Dublin Bay.Retirement hasn’t slowed Carol down, however; she is a keen bridge player, likes her gardening and has been involved as a volunteer in many organisations over the years.Carol has been a dedicated volunteer at Elmslie House since 1998 where she helps out most Mondays hosting the Boccia ball game, a type of bowls.“She plays it with such fun and hilarity and possesses a bright and happy disposition ,we’re so lucky to have her volunteer with us and help keep our residents entertained,” says Elmslie House Activities Coordinator Marissa.

Carol has also been an active volunteer with local women's group The Alpha Club and until 2016, Friends of Elmslie. Through their fundraising efforts, they have put nearly $100,000 back into the local community over the last 25 years. When her children were young she was involved in the Playcentre and kindergarten, Scouts, PTA, wrestling and ski club. She was also heavily involved in organising local house tours and Christmas Galas.Once a volunteer, always a volunteer. Why does Carol share her time so willingly?“I enjoy giving back to the community while I'm still able to. I was brought up in a family who volunteered so it’s just been what one does, it’s completely natural and nice to be able to help others. I’ve made a lot of good friendships through volunteering and wholeheartedly encourage others to give it a try!”Carol OrbelElmslie 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.

Volunteering has enabled Ben Goddard to give back to his community while making friends and learning a lot.Ben is the secretary for the Central Otago Lakes branch of Forest and Bird, providing administration support including applications for funding, media representation, social media updates and health and safety programmes. He also takes part in outdoor activities, including planting trees and trapping predators.Being a volunteer enables him to meet people from different ages and backgrounds. Ben is in his mid-twenties, but other committee members are a lot older, and have been working in conservation for many years.

“I've been fortunate enough to benefit from all their wisdom,” he says.Ben is also a first responder for the Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade. He says there is an incredible team at the Wanaka station, and he has been able to train with people who have many years of expertise and dedication.Volunteering has provided him with an opportunity to make friends, learn new skills and have experiences that he wouldn't have been able to do otherwise, he says.“There is certainly a huge scope for significant professional development from putting your hands up and volunteering.''Ben GoddardForest and Bird

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 Solf Maifea. I have been volunteering for the better part of 23 years. I began in 1995 as a Fire Rescue Squad volunteer for the company I was employed with at the time. I served for seven years. I liked that I could contribute to my fellow workmates and I also appreciated the courses and skills I acquired along the journey.From 1996 to 2010, I volunteered for my local council’s Civil Defence team, where I was one of over 3000 members. Since I was already on a Fire Rescue Squad, I wanted to tackle a more softer, behind-the-scenes role, something more in the welfare service arena. Manukau Civil Defence was the most memorable experience I’ve had, as I met so many people of all ages and ethnicities. The skills I attained along this journey had me managing a welfare centre during the Christchurch earthquake, and I even got to meet the Auckland Mayor of the day.

If I was asked what was my most valuable and precious experience, it would have to be volunteering as bingo caller for residents at Erin Park Retirement Village in Manurewa, Auckland, between 2014 and 2015. The lovely souls I encountered there touched my mind and my heart. I would be tired from working eight hours at my day job, then I would go call bingo for three hours once a week. The people were amazing: funny, engaged, cheeky and lonely. I miss them.I currently volunteer as one of eight trustees for the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust. My service now puts me on a boardroom table once a month, collaborating with peers to help with the management of the trust. This amazing organization affects ratepayers and community members of all ages, by engaging initiatives and programmes such as the annual ‘Eye on Nature’ family day.My journey of volunteering is not a fantastic sojourn of amazingness and wonderment, but it's the most precious and important thing in my life. Balancing work and family commitments gives me a limited amount of time to serve, but it is the constant in my life and always centres me mentally and spiritually. I implore you, if you are not already, to begin volunteering. Knowing you are helping others will connect you and make you feel part of something bigger and you will meet so many other likeminded people you would never have met otherwise. Solf MaifeaManukau Beautification Charitable Trust

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.

Cam Burrow loves the sea and spending time at the beach with mates during lifeguard training or patrols as a volunteer surf lifeguard. He also loves the fulfilment that comes from a rescue, and seeing his hard work successfully guide his organisation to grow stronger.Surf Life Saving NZ has 74 clubs throughout the country, and relies on volunteers to run summer patrols and year-round emergency response services. Over the past year, surf lifeguards have rescued almost 700 people in trouble in the water nationwide. The lifeguards at St Clair, which is where Cam volunteers, carried out four of those rescues.Giving your time back to your community to help make it better is one of the undervalued secrets to a satisfying life, Cam reckons — with huge paybacks for the volunteer.“We can always say we’re busy in our own lives, but if we all say that, then none of those organisations we want will be there for us when we need them.”Cam joined the Nippers surf lifesaving children’s programme with his friends when he was about 11, and later trained to become a lifeguard.

At 15, he was asked to join the governance committee at St Clair Surf Life Saving Club to represent the younger cohort of lifeguards. He realised he enjoyed seeing the impact that behind-the-scenes decisions made for the club’s development, and so last year, at 22, he stepped up to become the chairman of the club. He is now chairman of a group for all of the Otago and Southland Surf Lifesaving NZ clubs, too.Cam says he still enjoys the time working alongside his mates on regular summer patrols, at training and during emergency call-outs.“I just love the water, being in the water - even though Dunedin has some of the coldest water in the country.“But I just love spending all that time in the water with your friends, doing something good.”He says Surf Life Saving NZ is a great organisation to be part of. He has made friends throughout the country because of it, and clubs are always keen to have more volunteers.“You don’t have to be the fastest swimmer or the best runner to be a good lifeguard. Surf lifesavers offer so many things, through communication with the public and vigilance, first aid and coordinating with other rescue agencies.“Or on the administration side of things, there’s so much you can get out of it, and there’s so much need for different talents and approaches - there’s endless limits to what you can achieve. We are quite a welcoming organisation, and we do have a need for everyone.”By volunteering their time to help save lives in the sea, surf lifeguards also get the chance to develop their own skills.“A lot of it is good skills for everyday life. I’m an accountant, and I use a lot of the skills I developed through surf lifesaving every day,” Cam says.Volunteering for the club has developed his leadership, communication and listening skills, knowledge about how organisations work and how to go about making changes.Cam says he’s proud of his club, and the developments it has made recently under his leadership.“It’s really satisfying to see the work you put in produce good outcomes, and achieve something valuable.“Time’s a valuable thing, and if you can give your time to help others it not only helps so many others, it rewards you too.”Cam BurrowSurf Life Saving 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.

When Vaida Sirutyte-Hughes arrived in New Zealand, she wanted to get out and meet new people, learn new skills and get a job. Her first stop was Multicultural Whangarei, where she was introduced to Volunteering Northland.Working with Volunteering Northland, Vaida, who is originally from Lithuania, helped administer a project for National Volunteer Week 2018 working with the local business community. She also volunteered at the Quarry Arts Centre in their accounts department, and was able to complete a 20 week business course through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and a professional speaking course through Multicultural Whangarei and Speech NZ.During her time at Volunteering Northland, Vaida said she was interested in emergency services and the work of the local police. That was when Trish from Volunteering Northland suggested Vaida might like to get involved with Whangarei Community Patrol.

Whangarei Community Patrol is a voluntary organisation, and acts as eyes and ears for the police by patrolling residential, business and industrial areas around the city.Vaida is now one of their regular volunteers, heading out once a month on patrol on either a Friday or Saturday night from 10pm to 1am. She also utilises her accounting background as the Community Patrol’s treasurer.Vaida has now secured a full-time job, but continues volunteering with Whangarei Community Patrol.“I am passionate about this role and I really enjoy helping in the community,” she explains.“I am learning all the time volunteering, especially picking up Kiwi phrases. I am meeting lovely people and making new connections. I am sure it has contributed to me securing a job as I have also gained Kiwi references and local knowledge.”Vaida Sirutyte-HughesVolunteering NorthlandStory by Trish Clarke 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.

Each month, Don and Justine head out into Taranaki’s Uruti Valley to help protect native wildlife like kiwi.

The pair are volunteer trappers who check around 180 traps across the valley, tackling challenging terrain, miserable weather and even charging wild boars in their work. They spend one weekend a month in a caravan parked near the traplines they’re responsible for, heading out wind, rain or shine to clear traps, refresh bait and ensure the traps are accessible for pests like rats, hedgehogs, stoats and weasels.“I'm sure you're all aware how changeable the weather can be in Taranaki, so this can make the difference between an absolutely fantastic or an entirely miserable day. And it's sad to say that it does rain a fair bit in Taranaki so we always make sure we come prepared,” Justine says. “Our quad bikes are fitted with heated hand grips and quad bike mittens, and warm gloves, coats, leggings, thermals and balaclavas are all standard gear that we take with us on every trip.”It’s not just poor weather that Don and Justine have to contend with. Local wildlife can also be an issue, and the trappers have a number of ‘near miss’ stories from their time in the valley.Justine remembers one weekend when a wild boar took aim at Don.“I was following quite a distance behind Don when I noticed a wild boar following him along the track. He was out of hearing distance so me tooting the horn did nothing to notify him of any impending danger. After a wee while, the pig rushed into Don's right hand side in attack mode … Fortunately it didn't manage to injure him on the way past.”On another trip, the trappers were nearly stranded on a farm when torrential rain caused a river to flood, almost cutting off their route home.Despite the challenges, Don and Justine really enjoy the work. Don and Justine Uruti Trappers

This story was shared during #NVW2019 and a campaign aimed 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.