Cheers to Coromandel Peninsula volunteers during National Volunteer week!

National Volunteer week is led by Volunteering New Zealand and this year’s theme is ‘Time to Shine - He wā pīataata.’ 

It’s a time to recognise and celebrate volunteers, a time to shine - pīataata. Matariki is fast approaching, a new year and a fresh start; a time to dream - moemoeā and make plans for the future.

More than one million people across New Zealand volunteer for an organisation, contributing $4 billion to the economy. And as we also see at a local level, much more volunteering happens within communities and informally between people.

The last two years have presented considerable challenges, but many non-profits and communities have stepped up to provide necessary support to the people who needed it most. Volunteering has made a significant contribution to our collective Covid-19 response. The voluntary sector has continued to deliver, despite the pressures, and has adapted to new ways of working.

If the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it is the importance for communities and government to be able to come together to build systems of resilience and support for our people.

Hon. Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for the Community & Volunteer Sector

Time to Shine – give a shout-out to your volunteer stars

As part of the week Volunteering New Zealand is asking individuals, businesses, and organisations to show how they appreciate their community volunteer stars. You are invited to make or print a star image, take a photo with you holding the star and upload your star photo to social media during National Volunteer Week (share using the hashtags #NVW2023 and #timetoshine). For more information and resources go to National Volunteer week.   

Statistics New Zealand Labour Market Statistics show the incredible contribution that volunteers make to our communities:

• Approximately 21.5% of New Zealanders undertake volunteer work
• Adding in informal and casual volunteering, 50.7% of adults have done some volunteer work in the last month
• Of those who have volunteered, 30.2% volunteered through an organisation and 36% volunteered directly (i.e. undertook informal volunteering)
• The value of formal volunteering is estimated at $4 billion per annum
• New Zealanders contribute a total of around 159 million hours of formal volunteer labour each year
• There are currently 115,770 registered non-profit institutions in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

VOLUNTEERING IN THE COROMANDEL

Local volunteers in Whitianga and the wider Mercury Bay provide an incredible amount of their time, energy, and skills across a wide range of projects and activities. There is no doubt that they are a big part of making our Coromandel communities a better place to live.

Volunteers in Whitianga and the wider Mercury Bay assist with social, environmental, sports, arts and cultural, emergency services, advocacy, churches and event activities to name just a few!

To find out about not for profit groups in the Mercury Bay Area see the All About Whitianga Community guide. 

WANT TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

There may be a group or volunteering opportunity that is just waiting for you! See the extensive list of clubs and organisation on the All About Whitianga Community guide. Find opportunities to get involved in the following types of groups:

• Arts and Culture
• Churches
• Community and Social Clubs
• Libraries
• Emergency Services
• Environmental Groups
• Schools
• Sports and Recreation
• Welfare Organisations.

RAISE THE PROFILE OF YOUR NOT FOR PROFIT COMMUNITY GROUP

All About Whitianga is proud to provide free and discounted sponsorship opportunities  for "not for profit organisations" in the Mercury Bay area. These include profile page, job and event listings and articles.  Please contact Cathy to discuss how the team can assist a group you may be associated with.