UN International Volunteer Day

5 Dec 2025 12:01am to 11:59pm

UN International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) – (December 5) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organisations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions – at local, national and international levels – to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

“Founded on the values of solidarity and mutual trust, volunteerism transcends all cultural, linguistic and geographic boundaries. By giving their time and skills without expectation of material reward, volunteers themselves are uplifted by a singular sense of purpose.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

This year we are launching Mahi Tahi, Mahi Wātea - a support guide for community organisations in engaging disabled people as volunteers. See the event listed here for more details.

Will you join in the celebration?
We’d love to feature leaders of volunteers from across Tāmaki Makaurau in a short 30-second video celebrating their volunteers for International Volunteer Day throughout December.

Share a quick message of thanks — what makes your volunteers special, the impact they’ve had, or what volunteering means to your organisation.

Keep it simple: a heartfelt “Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa” (many thanks to you all), “Ka mau te wehi!” (you’re amazing!), or “Tēnā koutou mō tō koutou mahi aroha” (thank you for your generous work) says it all.

Contact us at [gm@volunteeringauckland.org.nz] to get involved



Volunteer Stories

The people are all sweet

When I first came to New Zealand I received a lot help from others and for the first time I got a feeling of being encouraged and blessed.