Championing Everyday Heroes

Voices of Volunteer Leaadership

For more than two decades, Sudha Bhana has dedicated her career to empowering volunteers and strengthening communities through her leadership in the charity sector. As the Manager of Volunteering at the Cancer Society Auckland-Northland (CSAN), Sudha brings both a strategic and hands-on approach to supporting the hundreds of volunteers who help deliver vital services to people affected by cancer.

Her work spans everything from systems development and succession planning to being out in the community, connecting face-to-face with volunteers. “With a brilliant staff team in both Auckland and Northland to awhi our volunteer workforce,” Sudha explains, “my work can be anything from looking at how we steward our volunteers, through to being on the ground at events, meeting them in person.”

Sudha’s pathway into volunteer leadership was built over years of experience in the charity sector, where every role she held included working alongside volunteers. “Through various roles I gained knowledge on many aspects of the sector,” she says. “But every one of those roles involved connecting and doing the mahi with volunteers. As I moved through, my volunteer workforce in each role increased until I reached the Cancer Society, where my role is entirely dedicated to supporting volunteers.”

Her connection to the Cancer Society is deeply personal. “What drew me to the Cancer Society is my dad, who died from cancer, and the many loved ones we’ve lost,” she shares.

“What continues to inspire me are our incredible volunteers and the clients we serve. Each of them has a story — of resilience, strength, and generosity of spirit. I see how much good we do every day.”

That connection is what fuels Sudha’s sense of purpose. “My role is about being the voice for our volunteer workforce,” she says. “They motivate me in all I do.”

The volunteers’ impact is visible every day, from supporting fundraising and awareness campaigns to the simple yet life-changing act of driving someone to their cancer treatment. “Our volunteer drivers give up their time and their vehicles to get people to treatment who might otherwise have no other means,” she says. “That’s powerful.”

Over the years, Sudha has learned much from the volunteers she leads. “They’ve taught me humility, generosity of spirit, commitment, and loyalty,” she reflects. “Even after 20 years, I’m still learning. Technology has enhanced how we can support and connect with volunteers."

"I’ve learned to embrace change and innovation in all we do.”

Her experience also includes serving as former Chair of Volunteering New Zealand (Tūao Aotearoa) — a role that allowed her to influence volunteering on a national scale. “I took on that volunteer role because of my strong interest in making an impact for volunteers across the country,” she says.

While the role brings immense reward, Sudha acknowledges its challenges. “Supporting the individual needs of hundreds of volunteers means that decision-making and responsibility take on a whole new meaning,” she says. Yet, these challenges have shaped her approach to leadership — evolving her communication, empathy, and adaptability. “Time has taught me that communication is key,” she notes. “And dare I say it, age has helped too!”

Sudha doesn’t just lead volunteers — she is one herself. “I love the give back, that inside bubble of warmth and reward I feel,” she says.

“How can I understand our volunteers if I don’t volunteer myself?”

Looking ahead, Sudha believes the future of volunteering will be shaped by agility and innovation. “AI will have a substantial impact,” she predicts, “but the ‘why’ of volunteering — the desire to make a difference — will always remain.”

Her advice to others in volunteer management reflects her philosophy of connection and courage.

“Do not be afraid to engage your volunteers in your decision-makingsh. Our volunteers guide our mahi — not the other way around.”

And when asked to sum up why she does what she does, her answer is simple and heartfelt:
“I believe that every day we deliver good through my mahi in the volunteering space — what more could I want to do?”