Speech: The State and Future of Volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand
Tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēna koutou katoa. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here with you today, in the presence of so many dedicated and passionate volunteers from our beautiful city of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. I want to begin by acknowledging the invaluable work you do, and to celebrate the spirit of service that is so deeply embedded in our communities. Your time, energy, and commitment form the foundation of our thriving community sector.
Today, I’d like to talk about the state of volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand, the incredible value it brings to our communities, and the exciting yet challenging future we face in the world of volunteering.
The State of Volunteering in New Zealand
Volunteering has always been an integral part of New Zealand’s culture. From the early days of our history, communities have come together to support one another, lending hands and hearts to those in need. In recent years, however, the landscape of volunteering has undergone significant shifts. The 2020 pandemic reshaped our world, and volunteer organisations in Aotearoa had to adapt quickly. Despite these challenges, volunteers rose to the occasion, demonstrating incredible resilience and adaptability. You ensured essential services continued, supported the vulnerable, and brought hope and connection to those feeling isolated.
Statistics tell us that nearly one in three New Zealanders volunteer their time, with Auckland leading the way in a variety of sectors, from environmental projects and youth services to food distribution and community health. It’s a testament to our collective spirit that so many people are committed to making a difference.
However, it’s also true that volunteer numbers have fluctuated. The pandemic accelerated a decline in traditional forms of volunteering, and as life has returned to a new “normal,” we’re witnessing shifts in how people want to volunteer. Short-term, project-based volunteering and virtual opportunities are becoming more popular, especially among younger people. As a nation, we must respond to these changes and ensure we continue to harness the power of volunteers in a way that fits our evolving society.
The Value of Volunteering to Our Communities
The impact of volunteering in New Zealand is monumental. It goes far beyond the measurable economic value—although let’s not forget that volunteer work contributes billions of dollars to our national economy annually. The true value of volunteering lies in the transformation it brings to people and communities.
Think about the local park that’s kept clean and beautiful because of volunteers. Think about the food banks that help feed families, the environmental projects that preserve our natural heritage, and the youth mentoring programmes that set young people on a path to success. These aren’t just services; they’re lifelines and catalysts for a stronger, healthier, and more connected society.
Volunteering also fosters social cohesion. In Auckland, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, volunteering creates opportunities for people from different walks of life to connect, understand one another, and build relationships based on shared values. In an age where isolation and division can easily take root, volunteering remains a powerful antidote.
The Future of Volunteering
Now, let’s talk about the future. What does it hold for volunteering in New Zealand, and what does that mean for our community sector?
The future of volunteering is both promising and uncertain. Technology is reshaping how we engage, and we’re seeing new trends emerge. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are eager to volunteer but are seeking experiences that align with their values and fit into their flexible, fast-paced lives. They’re looking for opportunities where they can make a tangible impact and use their skills creatively. This means that volunteer organisations will need to rethink their models to be more inclusive, flexible, and tech-savvy.
Imagine a future where virtual reality training sessions prepare volunteers for real-world disaster response, or where digital platforms connect Aucklanders to volunteer opportunities in real-time, making it easier than ever to lend a helping hand. The possibilities are endless, but they require us to innovate and invest in new ways of thinking about volunteering.
Additionally, there’s a growing awareness of the need for diversity and inclusion in volunteering. To truly reflect our society, volunteer organisations must ensure that people from all backgrounds feel welcome and empowered to contribute. This means removing barriers to participation, such as transportation, language, or accessibility challenges, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
What This Means for Our Community Sector
For our community sector in Auckland, the evolving landscape of volunteering could bring extraordinary opportunities. With the right strategies, we can engage a new wave of volunteers who are eager to make a difference. We can harness the skills and creativity of people who have never volunteered before and connect them with causes they care about deeply.
But we must also be prepared to invest in our volunteer infrastructure. This means training for volunteer managers, improved technology, and sustainable funding models. It means collaborating with businesses, schools, and local governments to create partnerships that support volunteering. And, importantly, it means recognising and celebrating the contributions of volunteers like you—people who give so much of themselves to make our communities better.
Conclusion
In closing, the state of volunteering in New Zealand is strong, but it’s also evolving. The value of what you do cannot be overstated. You bring light, hope, and change to our communities. As we look to the future, let’s embrace innovation and ensure that volunteering remains a cornerstone of our culture. Together, we can build a future where everyone in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and across Aotearoa New Zealand, has the opportunity to make a difference.
Thank you for everything you do. Keep inspiring, keep giving, and let’s keep building stronger communities together.
Hutia te rito o te harakeke
Kei hea te komako
He aha te mea nui i te ao?
Maku e kî atu
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata e.
If you pluck the heart of the flax
Where will the bell bird feed?
It was once asked of me
What is the greatest treasure in this world?
It is people, it is people, it is people.
No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katou
By: Cheryll Martin QSO, Kaiwhakahaera matua, Volunteering Auckland, 5 December, 2024
Given at the English Language Partners North Shore Volunteer Event
