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The volunteer work of thousands of Kiwis is being recognised across the country this week.
National Volunteer Week, which runs from June 15–21, is the biggest celebration of volunteering in New Zealand.
Volunteering New Zealand Tūao Aotearoa leads this national event. This year’s theme is Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together.
Volunteering New Zealand chief executive Michelle Kitney says the annual week-long celebration is an opportunity to thank the millions of volunteers who make a difference to our communities every day.
“We know of 50 events being held by volunteer centres and community organisations, celebrating over 3000 volunteers.”
Over 53 percent of adult Kiwis volunteer, either for organisations or directly helping others. Formal volunteering is worth $6.4 billion to the economy, and when you add in direct volunteering as well, it’s worth over double that at $14.4 billion.
One example is Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, which alone has more than 3300 volunteers and 64 local groups across the country.
In the 2023/24 financial year, Land Search and Rescue volunteers completed 495 operations, assisted 600 people in need, saved 41 lives, and committed 167,962 hours of volunteer service.
More than the economic value, volunteering is vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities, Kitney says.
“Volunteers are everywhere—supporting aged care, disability services, community programmes, the arts, sports, emergency response, and caring for our environment. Their work touches almost every part of our lives.”
Volunteering also gives back to those who volunteer. It helps people feel connected, supported, and valued. She says volunteering is a powerful movement and is a key contributor to the community.
“This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the diversity of volunteers and volunteering, mahi aroha and social action in Aotearoa.”
Find out more at: www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/campaigns/national-volunteer-week.
