Connecting People and Nature
Voices of Volunteer Leadership
For Rachael Pates, Network Manager of the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network (UWEN), if variety is the spice of life, then her role is like a “hot curry.” Every day brings a new challenge: connecting community groups, coordinating environmental projects, sharing resources, and ensuring that local efforts for biodiversity have the greatest possible impact.
UWEN is a vast network of volunteers, ranging from long-term leaders to those who turn up for a single event in their local park. Rachael’s job is to support this network, raising UWEN’s profile and finding meaningful ways for people to get involved.
“There’s a place for everyone and every skill set,” she explains. “Not all environmental work involves planting trees or getting muddy—though there’s room for that too!”
Rachael’s journey into volunteer leadership began during her Environmental Management degree in the UK. “I saw firsthand how passionate people could make a real impact on their communities,” she says. From her early career working with local groups to improve access to open spaces, she learned the value of practical projects and the importance of working alongside people of different backgrounds and skillsets.
She confirms that this path is the right one for her: “Whenever I step away from community-based work, I realise just how much I cherish working alongside volunteers. Being part of something that’s for purpose, not profit, is deeply rewarding.”
What drew Rachael to UWEN—and continues to inspire her—is the ability to combine her twin passions: environmental protection and community development.
“I get to harness the power of the natural environment to bring people together,”
Rachael continues, “The passion people bring, the knowledge they share, the camaraderie—we’re creating real change, together. You can see it in the flourishing native plants, the birdsong, and the care people give to their local reserves.”
For Rachael, the most rewarding part of working with volunteers is hearing their stories and connecting with them. “People are making a conscious decision to be involved. You see the best of people, their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment—it’s infectious,” she says. This collective effort has tangible outcomes: between July 2024 and June 2025, UWEN volunteers contributed nearly 27,000 hours—equivalent to 70 hours of environmental work every day.
“It’s astounding what people can achieve when they are inspired and supported.”
Volunteering has also deeply shaped Rachael personally and professionally. As a migrant to New Zealand, she has built strong connections through her work, finding a sense of belonging and community. “The connections you make through volunteering go deep and make you a better person,” she reflects.
Leading volunteers comes with its challenges. Everyone has competing demands on their time, and projects must be flexible to accommodate these commitments. “It makes you a master of multitasking,” Rachael laughs. Her approach has evolved to recognize the importance of supporting volunteers in a way that respects their availability while keeping projects moving forward.
Looking to the future, Rachael sees both challenges and hope. “Social norms are changing, people are busier, and there’s more reliance on convenience—but the next generation is passionate and taking action. Schools encouraging community involvement and youth leadership give me confidence.”
She continues to invest in her own learning to ensure she can lead effectively and inspire volunteers to make a difference.
Reflecting on her work, Rachael sums it up simply: “I want to help others make an impact.”
Through her leadership, she is not only strengthening UWEN but also empowering volunteers to connect with their environment, each other, and their communities—proving that when people come together for a common purpose, remarkable things can happen.
