Inspiring Curiosity Through Science

Voices of Volunteer Leadership

At the heart of South Auckland’s growing network of science-literate classrooms is Andrea Lun, Branch Manager of House of Science [South Auckland and West Auckland]. Through her leadership and passion for both education and community, Andrea has built a thriving volunteer programme that helps bring the wonder of science into primary schools — one resource kit at a time.

“I’ve always had a passion for science,” Andrea says. “When I realised my own kids didn’t get much science at primary school, I wanted to do something about that. After my own initiative was disrupted by Covid, I discovered House of Science — it was the perfect way to reach more students and support teachers.”

House of Science provides bilingual, curriculum-aligned resource kits that make teaching science engaging and accessible. Each kit includes everything a teacher needs to bring science to life — from detailed lesson plans to hands-on materials — and is delivered directly to schools by a network of volunteers and staff. Andrea oversees the operations for two branches, managing logistics, relationships, and most importantly, the volunteers who make it all possible.

“Volunteers are essential to what we do,” she explains. “Each kit can take an hour or more to process, and with 20 to 35 kits to prepare every fortnight, we couldn’t do it without them.” Andrea coordinates both individual and corporate volunteers, with many finding their way to House of Science through Volunteering Auckland.

“We’ve had wonderful support this year with more corporate groups wanting to help. It’s fantastic to see them come back — especially when they connect with our kaupapa and even go on to sponsor a kit.”

Volunteers from all walks of life contribute to House of Science’s success — retired teachers, science enthusiasts, and corporate teams alike. “It’s great to meet so many people who love science or education,” Andrea says. “Our volunteers tell me it keeps them connected to something they care about. And for corporates, it’s a team-building experience that also supports children’s learning.”

Among Andrea’s highlights are the moments when she sees the direct impact of her team’s work in schools. “The feedback from teachers is so inspiring. Science isn’t always easy to teach, and resources can be expensive. Our kits give them confidence, and seeing tamariki light up with curiosity — especially through our virtual reality sessions — that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Leading volunteers has also shaped Andrea’s own growth. “I didn’t really see myself as a Leader of Volunteers at first,” she admits. “But managing volunteers has taught me so much — about communication, flexibility, and the importance of clear processes. I’ve learned to adapt and make things sociable and enjoyable. Creating that welcoming environment means people want to come back.”

There are challenges too — balancing the needs of corporate groups with those of individual volunteers, or managing when people aren’t available — but Andrea approaches each with pragmatism and care.

“You have to be flexible and understanding. Volunteers give their time freely, so creating a culture where they feel appreciated is vital. And if you can bake, that helps too!”

For Andrea, volunteering is personal as well as professional. “I grew up with family who were active in the community, and I’ve passed that on to my kids. Sometimes they help me with the kits too. Volunteering is about connection — doing good for others, and for the future.”

And that future, she believes, starts with science. “We need to raise the scientific literacy of our tamariki. A scientifically literate society can make better decisions — for the planet, for their health, for their future. That’s what drives me every day.”

Find our more about volunteering at House of Science.