International Volunteer Day 2012 

Volunteering contributes to the world in so many ways and shapes so much of our lives. Volunteering and volunteer organisations are an important part of the fabric of New Zealand, and the fabric of the CAB.

Involvement in volunteering can range from a one-off occurrence to a long-term commitment through a community organisation. 

There are myriads ways that New Zealanders actively support their community through volunteering, for example:

Sport and culture

• helping out at a local gallery or museum (e.g. Friends of the Dowse, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Otago Settlers Museum)
• help at a local sports club (e.g. Surf Lifesaving New Zealand)
• supporting visitors during special events such as the Rugby World Cup

Caring for elderly or disabled

• providing help or companionship to the elderly or people with disabilities (e.g. community health transport, New Zealand Riding for the disabled, IHC)
• helping out at a not-for-profit health provider
• visiting people in a hospital or rest home, or who are housebound (e.g. Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service, “Friends of” a hospital)

Children and young people

• mentoring or leading a youth group (e.g. Scouts, Girl Guides, Big Buddy)
• Supporting children in hospital (e.g. Radio Lollipop, Kidsline)

New migrants and refugees

• tutoring someone in English as a second language (e.g. English Language Partners New Zealand)
• helping refugees settle in New Zealand (e.g. Refugee Services Aotearoa New Zealand)

Environment and animal welfare

• tidying up or maintaining a local nature reserve (e.g. Forest and Bird, South Coast Environment Society)
• caring for abandoned pets (e.g. SPCA, Cats Protection League)

Help in a crisis

• emergency services (e.g. Volunteer fire service, Civil Defence, Coastguard New Zealand, New Zealand Red Cross)
• helping out after a disaster (e.g. cleaning the Rena oil spill, Christchurch earthquakes)
• working in a soup kitchen, food bank or opportunity shop (e.g. Meals on Wheels)
• providing crisis intervention and support (Victim Support, Lifeline Aotearoa)
• visiting people in prison or in hospital (e.g. Prison Fellowship New Zealand)

Other ways to volunteer

• providing legal advice and information (e.g. Citizens Advice Bureaux, Community Law Centres)
• helping keep the neighbourhood safe (e.g. community patrol, Neighbourhood Support New Zealand)
• teaching life or career skills (e.g. SuperGrans, Dress for Success)
• helping with the maintenance of a local community house
• participating in service clubs (e.g. Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs New Zealand)

Volunteers are the backbone of our society. Supporting volunteering and getting involved means our country needs everyone to be an active citizen and give time to their communities for greater outcomes and better lifestyles.

Volunteering isn’t restricted to certain age groups or skill types. Nor do you necessarily have to give up huge amounts of time to make a contribution to your community. It can also be fun and sociable, and you might learn new skills and gain useful work experience.

To find out more about volunteering, read our Volunteering and Community Organisations page.

You can volunteer for your local CAB, find a volunteer position on the Volunteer Now online database or search our community directory for organisations looking for volunteers.