Volunteering is a rewarding way you can make a difference in your community — plus you can meet people and learn valuable skills. This page links to resources to help you find organisations and service groups who use volunteers to get vital work done.
Volunteer display, South Library. Flickr CCL-2012-04-05-IMG_1042
Local voluntary organisations
- Volunteering Canterbury
- Supports and promotes the work of volunteers and voluntary organisations. Search volunteering opportunities and register online.
- Student Volunteer Army
- SVA was set up following the quakes of 2010 and 2011. Its focus is on encouraging young people to volunteer.
- Gap Filler
- Gap Filler creates activities in the vacant sites of our city and welcomes volunteers.
- Places to volunteer
- Search the libraries’ CINCH database for information about volunteering and voluntary organisations.
Quick facts
National Volunteering Week is held annually in New Zealand. International Volunteer Day is observed globally on 5 December.
International organisations
Red Cross
The international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian movement. New Zealand Red Cross has a team of over 20,000 volunteers. Volunteer for Red Cross New Zealand.
Volunteer Service Abroad
Volunteer Service Abroad sends Kiwis to aid projects in different parts of the world. They offer long-term, short-term and youth volunteering opportunities in countries within the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)
Volunteer on organic farms with people who are looking for volunteer help. In return for volunteer help, WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles. Wwoof.org has a directory of WWOOF networks in different countries.
More information
- Read our interview with volunteer firefighter Nigel Howard.
- Volunteering and service group websites in our Internet Gateway.
- Volunteering resources at your library.
