He wā pīataata – Time to shine

National Volunteer Week 2023

National Volunteer Week (Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu) celebrates the collective contribution of all volunteers who enrich Aotearoa, including all wonderful volunteering Marlburians. National Volunteer Week 2023 runs from June 18 - 24, and this year’s theme is: ‘Time to Shine - He wā whakawhiti.’

Volunteers are vital to keep communities turning. They sacrifice precious time, offer crucial aid and services to people in need. With more than one million people across the country volunteering for a myriad of organisations across the board, National Volunteer Week is a time for us to reflect on those who give so much to our communities with love. Volunteers connect communities, from charity shops to hospitals, environment, conservation and nature reserves, emergency services, student and youth col- laboratives, education, support services, and animal welfare. Statistics New Zealand highlights that New Zealanders contribute 159 million hours of volunteer labour yearly.

Importance of Volunteers

Volunteer Marlborough General Manager Meg Martin has been involved for 12 years, and says, “Volunteering underpins many local organizations, many of which wouldn’t keep running if it weren’t for volunteers. Stories we hear about how volunteering has changed their lives, allowed them to meet new friends, learn new skills, and even find pathways to

We’re looking for more locals to join our team

We rely on volunteers at our 20 Marlborough stations to help our community prevent, prepare, respond and recover from emergencies.

We welcome people from all walks of life and have a wide variety of roles to offer. From firefighting to helping to educate our tamariki, we need people like you.

employment... those stories really keep me going!”

“Through COVID, we saw lots of people putting their hands up to volunteer in new ways, as well as people who have never volunteered before. Our biggest age group registered with us changed from the over 65+ group to the

15-30 group, which is wonderful!”

“There’s a significant move from mindsets of, ‘you must dedicate 10 hours or more per week for the rest of your life,’ to volunteering time you have for what you’re most passionate about. This wonderful shift allows people to give back where and when they can.” Marlborough’s youth-focused organisations need volunteers most, according to Meg. “Anything to do with youth need for the right people to support these organisations that aren’t the ones tugging on your heartstrings but still have great need.”

To celebrate Marlborough’s wonderful volunteers, Volunteering New Zealand encourages collaborating and connecting with local community groups, sharing a morning tea with your team, creating thank you cards, poems and videos acknowledging your volunteers or those who have made an impact on your life. Share stories with Volunteer NZ,

Do you have 1-2 hours per week to help a former refugee or migrant learn English?

Volunteer to teach English

Do you have 1-2 hours per week to help a former refugee or migrant learn English? Get

Volunteer to teach English

Do you have 1-2 hours per week to help a former refugee or migrant learn English?

Volunteer to teach English

nominate a ‘Good Sort’ award or contact Volunteer Marlborough or the Volunteer NZ website for ideas.

“It is absolutely vital for people to enquire,” says Meg. “Many of over 200 organisations we support in Marlborough are staffed largely by volunteers and without those dedicated people, they can’t run their services. We love people coming to us to asking to get involved! If we don’t roles you like, enquire about our Reverse Recruitment process where we build individual profiles and send it to organisations to get them thinking! We’d love seeing more youth and business groups involved!”

Acknowledging the worth of work volunteers do is hugely important. Some organisations would not, and have not, survived without their kindness. People shouldn’t underestimate the value that volunteers have on our community, some dedicating decades of their life to their role, invaluable donations of money and invaluable skillsets they have to offer.

Ten great reasons to volunteer!

• It’s good for your health and confidence

• Being selfless makes you feel good

• Trying out a new career

• Meet new people from many different walks of life

• Learn new skills or keep skills up-to-date which looks great on your CV

• You might need help yourself one day; volunteering is a great way to pay it forward

• Make a positive impact on your community and your whanau

• You can help people and brighten up people’s their day

• Fill in your spare time

• See and experience the wider world and have experiences you might not have otherwise Contact Volunteer Marlborough on 03 577 9388 email vm@volunteermarlborough.org.nz or visit their website for more information: www.volunteermarlborough.org.nz/

A continued sense of purpose after retirement

Keeping engaged after retirement can be a concern for some, but Anne Knight knew she wanted something meaningful and immediately volunteered at her pre-

Last year our volunteers dedicated hours of van riding, talking, listening, laughing and playing. They positively impacted the lives of so many older people, children, youth and their families in the Marlborough region. This year, will you join them?!

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact Tricia Dawson: 03 265 4240 ext 8450 triciad@psusi.org.nz vious place of employment, knowing she was much appreciated. Five years ago, Anne retired from her job of 12 years, as a cook and assistant at Presbyterian Support’s Enliven Tōtara club, a day programme for older people.

“Working at the Tōtara club was one of the most satisfying jobs I ever had,” says Anne.

“Although I was ready to retire, I really wanted to keep connecting with people and I loved being part of the team.”

Enliven Team Leader, Tricia Dawson, says Anne’s years of experience and ability to connect with their clients is a huge benefit to their programme.

“We are extremely grateful to have her ongoing support!”

Anne is one of almost 200 volunteers supporting local communities through Presbyterian Support Upper South Island (PSUSI).

“Our Enliven volunteers are vital to the work we do,” says Tricia. “They create inviting and homely environments; somewhere our members love attending weekly.

“Last year, our volunteers dedicated hours of van riding, talking, listening, laughing, and playing.

“They positively impacted the lives of so many older people, children, youth, and their families in the Marlborough region. This year, will you join them?!”

If you’re interested in volunteering for Enliven in Marlborough, contact Tricia Dawson at 03 265 4240 or visit www.psuppersouth.org.nz/ volunteer.