Here are some helpful links from Volunteering New Zealand:
About the Volunteering New Plymouth Volunteer Recognition Awards
The packs below open as a PDF
2021 INDIVIDUAL Nomination Pack
2021 LONG SERVICE Nomination Pack
https://www.facebook.com/hellonp1/videos/876313966204312/
Below is a link to an article on 'Have you thought about volunteering?' taken from Superseniors
Opens as a PDF
Have you thought about Volunteering article
AGE CONCERN TARANAKI APRIL 2021
AGE CONCERN TARANAKI WAITARA APRIL 2021
IN TUNE WITH INGLEWOOD APRIL 2021
Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust Bulletin - Opens as a PDF
Rotokare Volunteer Bulletin March 2021
Toys, Toys & More Toys
Taranaki Toy Library Trust is a member of the Toy Library Federation of New Zealand that actively promote play as being essential to the educational, physical, psychological, social, and cultural development of children. The local library is situated in Fitzroy and is run by a mixture of volunteers, family members and trustees who are dedicated to promoting play, playthings and playful interaction to children in our local community. It is a place where there is access to a large range of quality toys that can be borrowed on a regular basis at minimal cost.
A Volunteer is required, for about two hours a week on a Thursday morning between 10 am and 12 noon, to help out with checking the toys in and out. This role involves good computer and customer service skills, confidence in literacy and numeracy; together with attention to detail and of course you would enjoy being around children. If you have time to spare on Thursday morning could you volunteer?
There is also another opportunity – this one is for the odd Saturday morning between 9.30 – 11.30am. This role involves the same as the one above with a stronger preference for someone who is confident with their computer skills
If you are interested in just a few hours on an irregular basis – this role could be for you. This is a lovely environment with other good people who are interested in helping our little people have a variety of play options without the great capital outlay and better for our environment
To find out more and start the conversation then I would encourage you to contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 758 8986, or phone or text 022 571 4228 or email admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz so that she can register your interest to help.
Meals on Wheels:
New Zealand Red Cross – Taranaki Branch:
New Zealand Red Cross delivers over 15,000 meals on wheels to the house-bound and elderly throughout New Plymouth District every year. This number has continued to increase over the last few years and with the recent retirement of some of the long serving volunteers it means that there is an urgent need for new volunteer drivers for this essential service.
The Inglewood Branch has around 20 drivers that deliver meals five days a week. Not only does the service provide a nourishing meal for their clients but the volunteer drivers provide many of the recipients with the security of knowing they will have some daily contact with others, which many of them lack.
You do not need to make a large commitment as you will be put on a rooster that suits the time you have available. Generally, you have the roster for a month - 1 day (the same day) per week the start time for this service is 11.30am and usually takes till approximately 12.30pm depending on the number of meals being delivered. Inglewood is quite small, so it does not take too long to deliver to all those receiving these meals. If there are a couple of you one can drive and the other can deliver and it takes less time of course -
If you have always thought about volunteering - but thought that you couldn't because you were travelling a lot or have the grandchildren or you have children, and they are at school and you have a couple of hours in the middle of the day to spare and would like to help - this could be that opportunity. It could be for just 4 – 5 hours every couple of months or even on the emergency drivers list. Drivers are reimbursed at a set rate per meal to assist with costs.
There is a requirement for a Police Check for these roles and this does take several weeks to process and be returned - so if you are not available immediately and you are interested in helping out with this rewarding role or if you are curious to learn more please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 7588-986, Email: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz or Phone or Text (022) 571 4228 to have a conversation about options and start the process. She is waiting for your call.
New Zealand Red Cross – Disaster Response Team Taranaki Branch:
There are many parts to New Zealand Red Cross (as you will see in the latest calls) we are featuring New Zealand Red Cross this month with all the volunteer roles that they are currently looking to fill.
The Disaster Response Teams are throughout the country and are made up of highly committed, multi-skilled volunteers. Volunteers have a wide variety of professional backgrounds, delivering essential services during and immediately after a disaster. When disaster strikes in New Zealand, they are ready to go – providing assistance and support where required, to help communities around the country. The teams work closely with the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management as well as other government agencies and emergency management groups.
Activities include:
Time commitment
Volunteers are available for 24-hour, seven-day call out, for periods of up to five days (excluding travel days) when responding to emergency events. Many of the volunteers have full-time or part-time jobs that support their volunteer work and remain flexible when emergencies occur.
Response tasks may include:
Regular training opportunities are provided at no cost and are delivered to industry best practice.
Training topics include:
Regular scenario-based exercises with other Red Cross response teams and partner agencies including Civil Defence, New Zealand Defence Force, Police and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
All of our team members are provided with a uniform and protective equipment.
Criteria – Volunteers must:
There is a Police Check required for these roles and this does take several weeks to process and be returned - so if you are not available immediately and you are interested in this rewarding role or if you are curious to learn more please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 7588-986, Email: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz or Phone or Text 022 571 4228 to have a conversation about options and start the process.
Meals on Wheels:
New Zealand Red Cross – Taranaki Branch:
New Zealand Red Cross delivers over 15,000 meals on wheels to the house-bound and elderly throughout New Plymouth District every year. This number has continued to increase over the last few years and with the recent retirement of some of the long serving volunteers it means that there is an urgent need for new volunteer drivers for this essential service.
The New Plymouth Branch has around 45 drivers that deliver meals five days a week. Not only does the service provide a nourishing meal for their clients but the volunteer drivers provide many of the recipients with the security of knowing they will have some daily contact with others, which many of them lack.
You do not need to make a large commitment as you can be put on a rooster that suits the time you have available. The start time for this service is 11am and usually takes till approximately 1pm depending on the number of meals being delivered.
If you have always thought about volunteering - but thought that you couldn't because you were travelling a lot - have the children or grandchildren and they are at school - you have a couple of hours in the middle of the day to spare and would like to help - this could be that opportunity. It could be for just a couple of hours a month or even on the emergency drivers list. Drivers are reimbursed at a set rate per meal to assist with costs. Drivers must be over the age of 18 and maintain a full and valid New Zealand drivers licence.
There is a requirement for a Police Check for these roles and this does take several weeks to process and be returned - so if you are not available immediately and you are interested in helping out with this rewarding role or if you are curious to learn more please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth, P: (06) 758 8986, M: 022 571 4228, E: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz to have a conversation about options and start the process. We are waiting for your call.
Red Cross Shop Driver & assistant
Have you thought about volunteering?
Do you want to go and do something with a mate?
Red Cross shop is looking for a Driver and 2nd mate who can go out and deliver and collect donated goods.
Are you interested in getting behind that wheel to make a difference!! The vehicle is not huge (you need only your car licence to drive it).
There are other options too.
Are interested in being the driver and are happy to work with others?
Are you that person that could help with deliveries but not keen to be the driver?
Do you have experience that you would like to utilize in helping the community?
Can you see yourself in either of these roles?
Do you have a friend who you could bring along to help?
Are you interested in helping support the work that Red Cross do locally?
Do you have a few hours that you could offer? – It could be once a week or a month. Any time that you can offer within the shop hours ( Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm. Saturday hours are 9am till 3pm) will really help.
Right now more friendly volunteers are needed to help offer that first rate service that the customers have come to expect.
Have you checked out their very popular retail shop on Gover Street - yes they moved from Fitzroy last year and they have a bigger and brighter shop with items priced for the budget conscious and / or those who are choosing to purchase previously owned rather than buying new.
People who explore find amazing buys on the racks and shelves and return often as there is no knowing what will be found on the next visit.
This shop has led the way and been plastic bag free since May 2017 so you are offered a cool upcycled bag for a gold coin and a great way to help the environment.
The other bonus is that experience with a volunteer organisation could lead onto paid employment elsewhere as many employers give preference to people who have volunteer experience on their CV and there are many examples of this.
So are you looking to gain new skills?
Or just wanting to get out and about to enjoy the company of some great people and help the community at the same time.
If you are not sure – there is always the opportunity to have a conversation about what is involved and visit the store and check it out before committing. So if you have the time and think you could support this group, or if you are curious to learn more please
If you answer yes to either of these options, then contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06)7588-986 / 022 571 4228 or email admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz. She is keen to hear from you.
Marfell Community Trust and Marfell Community School - "Rising Achievers Afterschool Programme"
Seeking Star Volunteers
A wonderful opportunity is waiting for the right volunteers who are willing to offer a little of their heart to the young people of Marfell.
“The Rising Achievers programme is about community working together to raise achievement of the whole child in a mana enhancing environment.”
Each Marfell Community School students who is enrolled in this special afterschool programme is referred for support in academic and social areas of their wellbeing; alongside being given the opportunity to take part in fun activities and learn new skills.
Whilst in the program they become accustom to an afternoon snack, homework then out to play routine. This routine helps set a pattern to continue with once they move into their Intermediate education and are required to meet the expected national standard.
The programme runs every weekday during the school terms and the volunteers would need to be at the Marfell Community School from approximately 2.30pm until 4.40pm. As with all volunteer roles if you can help out for one day or all five it would be a great help. Every hour you put in makes a difference and rosters will be arranged to suit your availability.
For all who volunteer to help this great programme there will be training given and ongoing support to enable you to offer your time to these young people.
If you think you have the skills required and the time to share with these lovely young people or if you would just like more information contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on P: 06 758 8986, E: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz, M: 022 571 4228 to have a conversation about options and perhaps arrange a chat with one of the Trust members who is involved.
Seasons for Growth - Companion Volunteers
The Seasons for Growth Program (grief and loss education and support) runs education programs to support 6 -18-year-olds who have experienced a loss or change in their family through death, parental separation or divorce, migration, imprisonment, fostering, relationship break-down or any similar significant change.
Small groups of 3-6 participants, facilitated by screened, trained and police vetted adult volunteers, called Companions, meet once a week, for an hour, for 8 weeks, for activities and discussion on topics including change, feelings, personal stories and self-care.
Groups run throughout Taranaki each school term and the region is currently recruiting volunteers to train as Companions for 2021.
Important personal attributes would include:
Training will run over two days on the 10th and 11th April 2021 and is the Children’s and Young Peoples Programme.
Groups run throughout Taranaki during each school term and in 2020, 225 youngsters participated in a group somewhere in the province.
If you are curious to learn more and / or you are interested in becoming a Companion please contact Wendy or Marie at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 758-8986, email: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz or phone or text 027 541 0577 to take the next step.
Salvation Army Family Store:
The Salvation Army offers a ‘hand-up’ to Kiwis in need, providing services such as food banks, budgeting courses, employment training, addiction services, community garden projects, emergency services and much, much more. They are an organisation that relies on the generosity of others to provide these valuable resources to the local community. Their Family Stores are a wonderful part of their organisation and raise a large amount of money that is then distributed back into the community.
In New Plymouth the Family Store has moved and so they are on the lookout for friendly volunteers willing to become a part of the team who work on a roster system from Monday through to Saturday. You can work at times to suit you and any time that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Currently they are looking for people who can:
They are looking for volunteers who are passionate about people and customer service. If you have previous experience that would be wonderful however there is the opportunity to gain transferrable cash handling and retail customer service skills.
Full training will be provided and a reference to support you in moving on to your future career. You may also have the opportunity to enrol in a retail course that allows you to gain NCEA credits and a certificate in retail and customer service.
Are you a person who would like to help the Salvation Army help our community? Or are you curious to learn more? If so then please call Wendy at Volunteer New Plymouth on: P: 06 758 8986; M: 027 571 4228 or
E: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz so that contact can be arranged.
Bite size Volunteering
Have you ever thought about volunteering?
Do you know how to start or where to start?
Do you have some time that you could offer a community group?
Do you have a few hours a week or a fortnight or even a month?
CAN YOU HELP? Currently we have several Organisations that are looking for people to help with various activities - it might be that they are looking for someone to help once a month for a couple of hours. There are also some events that are a one off - that we would love to have you on our Volunteer list to contact when we get a call at short notice.
Benefits of Volunteering
1) Connects you to others - one of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity.
2) Is good for your mind and body - helps counteract the effects of stress, anger and anxiety. Can combat depression and increase confidence and make you happy.
3) Can advance your career - you can try out a new careers without making a long term commitment
4) Brings fun and fulfillment to your life - this is an easy way to explore your interests and passions.
There are many roles that do not require specific skills prior to starting; in fact the most valuable assets that you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed and a positive attitude.
If you have always thought of volunteering but were afraid to, because you wanted to have flexibility to visit family, travel, study, or work - think about looking at bite size volunteering - this is the way volunteering is evolving.
There is now also micro volunteering - yes that is even smaller than bite size and that can be something like writing Christmas cards for the lonely or responding to a survey or if you are a sewer – making some masks or Volunteer produce and reuseable bags.
Do any of these sound like something that you would like to dip your toes into and look at? Or a little daunting, or an exciting opportunity?
If you would like to know more and or like to meet someone to talk about the possibilities / or put your name forward please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 7588-986, email: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz or phone or text 022 571 4228 so that she can put you on the list of interested potential volunteers.
Taranaki Timebank:
Taranaki Timebank is a community network with a current membership of approximately 65 individual members and community groups who have come together exchanging skills and time to help each other just get things done! This can be anything from teaching a craft to painting a house. Timebank Communities exist throughout New Zealand and are based on a world-wide model. Taranaki Timebank is looking for a quite extraordinary volunteer to be the 'face' of the organisation. This exceptional person must have a desire to work within a community network, will need to be computer savvy (hopefully with their own computer), be able to manage a social media site and have the ability to monitor and evaluate data to influence future development. I did say that this is a really specialised role!! Hopefully going forward they will also be responsible for general support to members including induction sessions. Initially this would be around 5 hours per week but could in time lead to a paid position. If you would like to talk to the good folk at Taranaki Timebank about this role please contact Wendy or Marie on 027 41 577 06 758 8986 or email admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz and either of them will forward your details on to the organisation who will arrange to have a chat.
Alzheimers Taranaki Inc - Social Day Volunteers
The hardworking people at Alzheimers Taranaki provide; support, advice, information and advocacy for people with dementia. They also educate and inform the wider community about dementia and remove the stigma attached to this disease that affects so many of our families today.
Volunteers are required to assist with the Social Day that takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. At this time clients are offered a few hours of respite and social activities from 10.00am until 3.00pm in the welcoming venue in Waimea Street, New Plymouth. This special time allows everyone to enjoy a fun filled and active atmosphere for a few hours. It is really important that a good mix of male and female volunteers is available. So if you have a friendly nature that can add to this social interaction with people who really appreciate the time you spend with them, then here is your chance to make a huge difference to someone's day. A fortnightly roster is arranged, so the commitment is not too difficult to meet. If you think that you might be that special person who has a kind heart and patient nature, understands peoples needs, and willing to work in a relaxed, fun team environment, then now is the time to give Wendy a call at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06)7588-986, text / phone cell 022 571 4228 or email admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz for any additional information and to arrange for an interview with the Robyn, she is looking forward to hear from you.
Hospice Opportunity Shop Westown - Warehouse
I am sure that everyone knows about the huge financial contribution the Hospice Op Shops make to our Te Rangimarie Hospice. We are putting out an urgent request to ask for your help to support this amazing work; by asking if you have a few hours in your week to help at the Hospice Warehouse in Westown. Can you help for 4 hours a week or a fortnight or perhaps every 3 or 4 weeks?
They are crying out for some volunteers who can help in the depot with the sorting of all the donated items. This is an essential role as it allows the shop to keep moving stock on and off the shelves. Both male and female volunteers are needed and I am sending a special 'shout out' to all those of you who currently are not working or have been recently become unemployed due to COVID who may be looking for something to do until you find work!! If you have time to spare, are fit and healthy with a good sense of humour, how about considering working for a few hours a week doing this most worthwhile role. I am sure all volunteers will find it so rewarding to assist this fantastic organisation that plays such an important part in so many of our lives. I want to hear from everyone who has some time available - please contact Marie or Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06)7588-986 / text 027 541 0577 or email admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz.
Citizens Advice Bureau:
The Citizens Advice Bureau is a branch of a national organisation Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ), This organisation is dedicated to providing all members of our New Zealand community with independent help and support on any matter that they may require.
The aims of CABNZ are to:
1) Ensure that individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available, or through an inability to express their needs effectively.
2) Exert a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally.
To achieve these aims CAB offer accurate, comprehensive and up to date information, advice and advocacy that is free, confidential and impartial.
New Plymouth CAB branch is open from 9.30am – 3.30pm Monday through Friday and is staffed by trained volunteers. There are 10 shifts per week which are from 9.30am – 12.30pm and 12.30pm – 3.30pm and two volunteers (Bureau members) are rostered on each shift. The Bureau offers a free legal service one nigh per week, usually a Monday and usually from 7.15 – 9pm and one Bureau member is rostered to assist the duty solicitor on this night.
To become a Bureau member it does require commitment, there is a requirement to perform a duty once a fortnight, and in general a commitment of approximately 10 – 15 hours per month is needed. This includes assisting with the day to day running of the Bureau and participating on at least one of the teams which could consist of organising information resources, maintaining the information systems and other technology, organising social gatherings, giving talks to other community groups, publicity or learning and development. Monthly learning and development sessions are held every third Wednesday 12.30pm – 2pm and a volunteer must attend 7 out of 10 per year. There is flexibility in all this and you are able to select your own shifts to fit with your lifestyle. So if you think, I would like to do that but I am wanting to travel for a few weeks or months and / or want to spend time with family (and don’t want to let people down or have to get someone to take my roster ) this could be the perfect role for you as there is the ability to be rostered out of those times .
There is a process of Police check and signing a declaration of confidentiality to be completed and once accepted there is an induction period and the observation sessions then after successfully completing these key steps there is a probation period and finally Accreditation and Volunteer Certificate is awarded.
The friendly people at the Bureau are extending an invitation to prospective volunteers to go along and spend some time in the office to see how it all works, so if you would like to visit and find out more about the role CAB and the Bureau members play in our community then please contact Wendy or Marie at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 758 8986, email: admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz or phone / text 027 541 0577 (Marie), 022 571 4228 (Wendy) so that we can arrange for your visit.