Weaving People and Nature Together

Voices of Volunteer Leadership

For Teresa Kavanagh, Kaihautū / Chief Executive of Kaipātiki Project, leadership is about weaving people and nature together. Her role is to guide the organisation toward its vision of thriving communities living in harmony with te taiao, the natural world. At the heart of that vision are people—paid staff, volunteers, neighbours, and community partners—whose many hands and hearts make the work possible.

“My day-to-day is a balance of leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving,” Teresa explains. “But more than anything, it’s about listening, learning, and connecting to foster an environment where everyone can feel happy and well.”

A Journey Shaped by Volunteering
Teresa’s own path into volunteer leadership grew from personal experience. Having volunteered for many organisations over the years, she found joy in developing new skills, meeting people, and contributing to causes bigger than herself. When she emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand, volunteering became a way to connect to her new home.

One experience stands out: being invited to facilitate a workshop at the Youth Climate Action Conference. “At first it felt daunting, but it was a chance to refresh my experience, grow my confidence, and ultimately helped me get back into the workforce,” she recalls.

When the opportunity to lead Kaipātiki Project arose, Teresa was drawn to its roots: a group of local residents caring for their place and community. “Kaipātiki’s blend of ecological regeneration and community empowerment is inspiring. It’s about restoring relationships with each other and with nature—and that creates real change.”

The Power of Volunteers
For Teresa, working with volunteers is one of the most rewarding parts of her role. “I love the energy and generosity that volunteers bring. Everyone shows up with their own story, skills, and motivations, and together that creates something powerful.”

Volunteers at Kaipātiki grow and care for around 45,000 eco-sourced native plants every year, repair tools, share knowledge, and support ecological restoration projects across the region. “The impact is everywhere you look,” Teresa says.

Beyond the mahi, it’s the spirit of community that stands out. “People bring cake, we laugh together, and we even created our own recipe book from shared home baking. What touches me most is when volunteers check in on me—it’s a reminder of the reciprocal nature of volunteering. Giving always gives back in unexpected ways.”

Lessons and Challenges
Leading volunteers has taught Teresa to slow down and adapt her approach. “People come from all walks of life, with different expectations and ways of contributing. I’ve learned to individualise my approach—it takes time and effort, but the reward is seeing generations and cultures sharing joy together.”

The challenges, she says, have made her more resilient and reflective. “Personally, I feel humbled by people’s generosity and kindness. Professionally, I’m constantly learning new skills and perspectives that help me to grow as a leader.”

Looking Forward
Teresa sees the future of volunteering as flexible, inclusive, and wellbeing-focused, with opportunities for young people and spaces that honour the wisdom of elders. This year, she is exploring skills-based volunteering, creating pathways for people to contribute professional expertise, alongside strengthening intergenerational learning.

Her advice for others in volunteer leadership? “It is demanding and constantly changing—you need strong communication skills, passion for the cause, and an openness to listen and keep learning. But it’s worth it. The strength of people working together provides a collective energy that creates lasting change for generations to come.”

For Teresa, everything comes back to her love for te taiao and people. “When you plant a baby tree that might live for 2000 years, it puts life in perspective. I do what I do because I care about the wellbeing of the natural world and the communities within it. Living my values through action is about weaving healthier, more connected futures for both people and nature.”