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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.

Sharon is part of the Newcomers Network in Cromwell, which helps people who are new to the area connect with others.

She explains how volunteering plays an important role in this.Volunteering is what "floats my boat', so I encourage all our newcomers to get involved with volunteer activities.

Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with other like-minded individuals or wider community causes.

The intrinsic rewards (such as the feel good factor) can have a positive influence on all areas of one’s life, especially around mental health and wellness.

We arrange some of our newcomer events around volunteer causes.

For example, at Challenge Wanaka, we had a team look after athletes on a section and had heaps of fun doing it.

We have supported other community groups with their appeals, such as RSA Poppy Day.

We have also involved ourselves in community events like Light up Winter.

This year a new event to Cromwell was the Greenway Festival, where every group was asked to run an old-fashioned activity and showcase what their group does.

We showcased an international flavour with our newcomers making cultural food samples which we gave away to people who visited our stall.

This was our way of promoting and encouraging diversity.As a group, I think we are most proud of our Mucking In Crew.

This is when we come together to help fellow newcomers who have experienced adverse events at a time when they don't have the friendship and family networks that have been traditionally available to them.

One example of this is a health issue requiring surgery - we will muck in to do practical things like gardening, cooking, or supporting the person during rehabilitation.SharonNewcomers Network Cromwell

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.

Phoebe Havill has grown up in Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and spent the last seven summers at the beach as a volunteer lifeguard, keeping beachgoers safe.She is a member of the Onemana Surf Life Saving Club (north of Whangamata), and the Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club, and loves being able to get out into some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery.In December, she was awarded a national award for helping three other lifeguards in the difficult rescue of three kayakers from Whenuakura Island – an island with a hollow centre that the sea can flow into.Phoebe and another lifeguard made a difficult water entry to the island through a surf-washed cave tunnel, checked on the kayakers’ conditions and abilities, reassured them, then helped one make a rock jump into the sea, to be picked up by a waiting inflatable rescue boat (IRB), and then towed the other two back through the sea cave safely.It’s not the first rescue Phoebe’s been part of, and she says the safety awareness and early interventions she does on the beach and water brings her just as much satisfaction as the rescues.

“It’s cool to put our training into practice for rescues, it’s really satisfying afterwards.

And preventative actions, like putting up the flags to show where the safe spots to swim are, they’re the same – you know you’re stopping people from getting into danger.

It’s a really good feeling to be able to help when we’re needed and to get people home safe at the end of the day.”The 21-year-old originally signed up to the Nippers kids programme when she was six, because a friend had joined.“It looked like fun, and I really loved it, so I continued through and did the lifeguard training at 14 years old, and I’ve done it every summer since then.”Some summer lifeguard patrols are paid shifts, but most of her involvement with Surf Life Saving NZ is voluntary work.Phoebe says being a lifeguard means training, patrolling on the beach most weekends in summer, lifeguarding at events, and plenty of helping out around the club, and stepping up to leadership roles.She also trains other lifeguards and helps run training courses.

She has also been taking part in a national leadership development programme with the organisation, called BP Leaders for Life.The programme challenges lifeguards to think of new ideas that could benefit the organisation.

Phoebe is proud to be one of a group who identified that fewer women were becoming IRB drivers than men, and so helped launch Wahine on Water – an IRB training programme for women, taught by women — that has so far had nearly 100 people take part.“It’s been really satisfying to see our planning put to action, and to see the trainees get excited about IRBs.

I take different opportunities to upskill myself every year – there’s constantly development opportunities available.

It’s been great for me for confidence, leadership skills and general people skills, as you’re constantly interacting with people of all ages.”Phoebe encourages anyone to join Surf Life Saving, or sign up to Nippers if they are younger.“Definitely get involved, it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever been involved in.

It’s amazing for meeting new people, developing friendships, developing and challenging yourself – there’s so many opportunities to get involved in and pathways to take.”Phoebe Havill Surf 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.

Volunteering in a Gisborne op shop was not something Paul Topp ever imagined doing, but after his life took an unexpected turn, he couldn’t imagine doing anything else.Despite being an experienced quad bike driver, Paul had a freak accident one day while riding — falling into a steep ravine, resulting in severe injuries.

Luckily, St John paramedics came to his rescue.It took Paul a long time to recover, and the painful and slow recovery period was difficult for him.

He could only spend his days sitting still, whereas before, he had always led an active life and enjoyed the outdoors.

Six months after the accident he was hospitalised again with multiple infections and complications from medication.Feeling depressed and isolated, Paul spoke to his GP and ACC worker about his situation.

They suggested volunteer work, so Paul contacted the Gisborne Volunteer Centre.

The volunteer centre team raised the possibility of giving back to the organisation that had been there for Paul during his time of need, and soon, Paul was helping out in his local St John op shop.

Although it may have been easier to give money, Paul believes giving his time was a more meaningful way to support St John.

The profits from St John’s Gisborne op shop go towards local projects like youth programmes, purchasing new ambulances and health shuttles, and buying new equipment, allowing St John to continue its life-saving and life-changing work in the Tairawhiti community.Paul had volunteered before on various committees, but this felt different and more personal.“I felt like part of the team from the first day when I was leaving, and everyone said, ‘See you next Friday!’ They wanted to see me and I wanted to see them.

I felt like I belonged there,” he recalls.He describes his shifts as being fun with never a dull moment, quite different from his initial expectations“The team here are so friendly everyone’s happy and enjoys a good laugh.

There is a lot of hilarity and we often find items of clothing that we run out and show each other.

Especially the retro stuff!”Paul has some words of advice for anyone at home recovering from an accident or medical event.“If you have time, give some time.

It certainly won’t hurt you and you’d be surprised by just how much fun and enjoyment you can get from volunteering.”Paul ToppSt John

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.

On most days, Merrin Townley is a quiet, shy resident of Russell, Bay of Islands.

But twice a week, as she puts on her St John uniform, she metamorphosises into Merrin, passionate, knowledgeable Operational Volunteer for St John.Merrin is a First Responder.

She assists the Lead Officer who is either a Paramedic or EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).

Her role involves finding out the patients’ medical histories, taking and recording ‘vitals’ (blood pressure, temperature) and driving the ambulance.

She volunteers for two shifts a week, 6am - 6pm and 6pm – 6am.

Merrin does not have to physically be in the St John Station for this time — she has a pager and responds from home.

When the pager goes off she dons her uniform and can be at the station in under eight minutes.Three years ago, Merrin and her partner moved to Russell.

It was a quiet first winter, and Merrin didn’t know a soul.

She felt she wanted to become part of the community in order to help and meet people.

When she was growing up her ambition was to be a nurse.

However, life got in the way (as it often does) and her plans changed.

Upon reaching the age of 50, Merrin was persuaded by a friend that the time was right to apply for nursing.She began her application, but in her own words, she “chickened out”.

The move to Russell was the kickstart she needed to make her dream come true and she took the bold step of volunteering for St John.

After an interview, she walked away feeling really good about it and the people she would be working with.Merrin’s volunteering role began with observation shifts.

It was then she knew that this is what she was meant to do.

She loved it from the beginning: being part of a team, helping the community, meeting people and learning, learning, learning.

At first she was worried – it had been a long time since school.

But with support from her mentor and the rest of the St John family, she has successfully completed her ORM (Operational Risk Management), First Aid, Driver training and First Responder course.Merrin absolutely loves her volunteer work, she shines with enthusiasm and confidence when explaining what she does.

She described her reward for volunteering as the feeling she had inside when a patient – often scared, worried and in pain - gave her hand a squeeze in gratitude, or she saw the look in their eye when she reassured them, or the heartfelt hug she received from someone unable to express thanks verbally.

It was making a little bit of difference to vulnerable people, just being there for them.

She never thought in a million years that she was capable of doing this and she gets back tenfold by just giving up a few hours of her time.Merrin said the opportunities within St John are incredible.

All the training is paid for.

She has just embarked upon an EMT qualification which she is thoroughly enjoying.

Merrin believes that life experience has given her compassion and understanding, and age is not a barrier.Merrin summed up her volunteering experience like this: “It’s become my passion, I love it.

Everyone at the station is willing to give their time to help you as a volunteer, you are never alone, and it is such a rewarding thing to do.

The closest ambulance station would be Kawakawa if it were not for Russell, so volunteers are doing this for the community."Merrin TownleySt John Operational Volunteer

Original story by: Diana Smith, 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.

Today we are sharing a story from Justine Todd which celebrates KPMG New Zealand's commitment to their community through their employee volunteering student mentoring programme.

At KPMG New Zealand, we are working together to inspire confidence and empower change that has a positive and lasting impact on our communities.

Fuelling the prosperity of New Zealand – improving the health, wealth and wellbeing for all New Zealanders – is our common purpose that is fundamental to who we are and what we stand for as an organisation.A commitment to our communities is at the heart of KPMG’s values and culture, and central to our purpose.

Our approach to Corporate Citizenship prioritises Sustainable Development Goal #4 - promoting and enabling ‘Quality Education and Lifelong Learning’.

Inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, can help break the cycle of poverty, drive economic growth, inspire the next generation of leaders, and fuel community prosperity in our generation and for generations to come.

The next stage of learning journeys

One of the programmes we’ve developed based on this goal is called Kiwa.

It was started by some of our young Māori and Pasifika team members.

Kiwa focuses on mentoring for Māori and Pasifika university students interested in learning more about working in the corporate space, however earlier this year they expanded their scope to include a new and special relationship.A team of KPMG KIWA members travelled to the Hawkes Bay in March to visit with Māori and Pasifika Year 12 and 13 students from St Johns College.

The visit marked the launch of a new voluntary mentoring partnership with the low decile school for boys based in the heart of Hastings.The mentoring program aims to help Year 12 and 13 Māori and Pasifika students prepare for their last year of school and provide support for students navigating the transition from high school into the next stage of their learning journeys, whether it be tertiary education or finding their first job.

For most of these students, they may be the first in their family to consider undertaking tertiary-level studies.The KPMG team had a full day, sharing their own experiences as young teenage Māori and Pasifika school leavers, a goal-setting workshop, a presentation to the school at their assembly and they finished the day with a FiaFia Cultural evening with St Johns’ College’s sister school, Sacred Heart.

A long-term vision

The visit ended with a commitment from both the students and the KPMG visitors to establish a long-term mentoring programme between the KPMG Kiwa volunteers and St.

John’s College.

With an emphasis on setting goals, nurturing self-belief and academic achievement through virtual meeting and communication with the students, the KPMG mentors aim to empower them by showing them there are many other Māori and Pasifika studying, working and achieving their goals across the country.Following the initial visit, the Year 12 and 13 students were then allocated KPMG mentors who they worked with over the remainder of the year.

These matches were based on interests and connections made in the goal setting workshop.

The Kiwa mentors use KPMG volunteer leave and their own time to nurture these relationships.Feedback from the school is that having a mentor who is encouraging and supportive has made a huge difference to many of the students in their attitude, work ethic and outlook on their future.

To wrap up the programme, a student who has displayed determination, ambition and growth in the pursuit of a higher education, leadership amongst his peers and contribution to his community, has been chosen to receive a $1,500 KPMG award at end of year prize giving.Fuelling prosperity together.

Working together.

Stronger together. – Justine Todd, Senior Manager, Corporate Citizenship, KPMG.