Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu – National Volunteer Week celebrates the collective energy and mana of volunteers across Aotearoa, including the dedicated individuals in Nelson Tasman. Taking place from June 16 – 22, this years theme is Whiria te tangata – Weave the people together, and the nationwide event is organised by Tūao Aotearoa Volunteering New Zealand.
The week is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating those who selflessly give their time and skills, and to express gratitude for the significant contributions they make to our communities. Volunteers form a diverse group that strengthens communities, working in areas such as charity shops, hospitals, environmental conservation, emergency services, youth collaborations, education, support services, and animal welfare.
Volunteer Nelson is a key organisation committed to bolstering communities in the region. By linking individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities across diverse sectors, Volunteer Nelson acts as a bridge between volunteers and non-profit organisations. Gordon Oldfield, the Manager of Volunteer Nelson, says, “We can link potential volunteers with a range of local organisations. We have a lot of opportunities available of every type of role you can think of. We currently have 226 organisations that are members of Volunteer Nelson.”
There is plenty of research that suggests the positive impact volunteering can have on a person's wellbeing, says Gordon. It can help to improve mental health, increase life satisfaction, and increase feelings of happiness and social connectedness. “Mental Health NZ promote the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ – Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice. Volunteering covers all of these principles, and the benefits are massive. We often look at volunteering from the perspective of the organisation but a lot of the volunteers themselves find they have better wellbeing and a more focused purpose in life.”
In addition to matching volunteers with suitable roles, Volunteer Nelson provides training and resources to enhance the skills of both volunteers and organisations. They offer workshops and networking events and have a range of youth programs available including Young Leaders and Youth into Governance. “These programs are a great place for youth to start. The Young Leaders Programme helps to develop skills in teamwork, leadership, project management, working with young people and loads of other transferable skills. The Youth in Governance program offers the opportunity to join the governing board of a community organisation. Each young person will have an assigned mentor and will participate in monthly board meetings. They will be encouraged to have their say in decisions and give their perspective as a young person. These initiatives are not only about getting young people into volunteering but creating a positive experience as well.”
Caroline Budge, the Manager of Age Concern Nelson Tasman says, “National Volunteer Week is a great event on the calendar for us to really recognise the contributions of our volunteers, say thank you, and show our appreciation to them. We are very lucky that we have so many people in the region with incredible experience and backgrounds who are willing to assist with volunteering. They offer huge amounts of value, time, energy, friendship and companionship to our organisation and we work very hard to let them know we appreciate them. It is important for us to personally say thank you and ensure that everyone gets acknowledged.” The act of volunteering is twofold, says Caroline. “The feedback from so many of our volunteers is that they give their time because they want to give back to the community, but they find they get just as much from it as well.”
In collaboration with Volunteer Nelson, Age Concern Nelson are co-hosting the upcoming NBS Volunteer Expo on Sat, July 13. The team will have a stall at the event to help with any volunteering enquiries, and Caroline says, “We will be there with bells on!” Gordon explains the Volunteer Expo is a great opportunity to have face to face conversations with volunteer organisations. “To be hosted at the Annesbrook Event Centre on 10am until 2pm, there will be 35 different organisations at this year's event.” Sponsored by NBS and supported by Tasman District Council the yearly event continues to provide a unique platform for community organisations to recruit volunteers and network with the community. “It gives exhibitors a chance to engage, interact and connect with visitors and prospective volunteers. This Expo also enables these organisations to strengthen, establish or raise their profiles with new and existing volunteers.” There will be a broad selection to choose from with everything from personal health, support for the aged, heritage protection, environmental and social responsibility programs to community sporting associations. Visit the Expo and see how you can benefit!
Celebrating National Volunteer Week, Presbyterian Support honour volunteer heroes
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions of volunteers who embody the spirit of community and service, says Enliven Team Leader Maaike Faber-van Burik. Among these unsung heroes are Barbara and Dick Watson, a married couple who dedicate their time and energy to the Presbyterian Support Enliven programme. “Barbara and Dick have a long history of involvement with the Scouts, and their transition to Enliven came naturally. Barbara began volunteering in our Day Programme in August 2013, and Dick joined her as a van volunteer in July 2021. Barbara works with the Harakeke group, while Dick is involved with Totara. Their commitment to enriching the lives of our clients is truly inspiring.”
Dick enjoys his role as a van volunteer on Wednesdays and recently added another day with the Totara club, where he loves engaging with the group and helping out. "I just played a game of Bingo with a client,” says Dick. “It was a lot of fun!" Barbara echoes this sentiment, saying, "It is great to see people light up when they play games they enjoy."
The joy and connection Barbara and Dick bring to the programme highlight the profound impact of volunteerism, continues Maaike. “This week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to them and all our volunteers who enhance the mana of whānau to be safe, resilient, and connected.” Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference. Please contact Maaike, Team Leader, Phone 03 2655224, Email maaikef@psusi.org.nz or visit www.psuppersouth.org.nz/volunteer
