‘Every little thing you do helps'
Otago Student Army volunteers clean flood debris from fencing on a farm near Owaka in October last year. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Clutha has plenty to celebrate during this year's National Volunteer Week, which runs until Saturday.
Non-profit group Clutha Development (CD) assists the district council and the community in recognising the generosity of volunteers, and the district's dependence on them.
"Through the Clutha District Volunteer Network, Clutha Development is helping build stronger, more connected communities," CD community projects facilitator Kristin Aarts said.
"We recognised a need, and set out to get to learn more about community groups and how to help them reach out to people to volunteer, and how to put those people in touch with the kind of group they want to work with.
"This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the locals who make a difference by stepping up, lending a hand, and helping our district thrive."
Among the region's notable volunteers are the network behind Clutha Budget Advisory Service and individuals including Allister Body and Robbie Finlayson, both of Tapanui.
Robbie Finlayson has volunteered for Kidzway from the beginning.
Allister Body has been on the board of West Otago Health for 15 years.
Mr Body has been an integral part of the West Otago Health medical centre since 2010.
"After 15 years, volunteering isn't something I consciously choose any more — it's simply part of how we live," he said.
"I could spend my time elsewhere [but] in our community, the clubs, events, and opportunities that enrich our lives are built and maintained by volunteers.
"So for me, giving my time to West Otago Health feels like doing my part to keep that spirit alive.
"It's about contributing to the kind of community I want my family to grow up in — one where people show up for each other."
Robbie Finlayson has volunteered countless hours of expertise to Kidzway Early Learning Centre since it opened in 2008.
"[It's been] a great way to get to know a wide range of people, many of whom have become lifelong friends. I have certainly learnt a lot of new skills along the way, but best of all it's knowing every little thing you do helps someone else."
The network also has the reach to source volunteers from beyond Clutha, such as Otago Student Army, who marched out in force to help clear flood debris in the Catlins late last year.
Clutha District Council held the annual community service awards at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre in Balclutha last night to encourage the spirit of community generosity by highlighting and rewarding some of the area's most dedicated volunteers.
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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
‘Every little thing you do helps'
Otago Student Army volunteers clean flood debris from fencing on a farm near Owaka in October last year. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Clutha has plenty to celebrate during this year's National Volunteer Week, which runs until Saturday. Non-profit group Clutha Development (CD) assists the district council and the community in recognising the generosity of volunteers, and the district's dependence on them. "Through the Clutha District Volunteer Network, Clutha Development is helping build stronger, more connected communities," CD community projects facilitator Kristin Aarts said. "We recognised a need, and set out to get to learn more about community groups and how to help them reach out to people to volunteer, and how to put those people in touch with the kind of group they want to work with. "This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the locals who make a difference by stepping up, lending a hand, and helping our district thrive." Among the region's notable volunteers are the network behind Clutha Budget Advisory Service and individuals including Allister Body and Robbie Finlayson, both of Tapanui. Robbie Finlayson has volunteered for Kidzway from the beginning. Allister Body has been on the board of West Otago Health for 15 years. Mr Body has been an integral part of the West Otago Health medical centre since 2010. "After 15 years, volunteering isn't something I consciously choose any more — it's simply part of how we live," he said. "I could spend my time elsewhere [but] in our community, the clubs, events, and opportunities that enrich our lives are built and maintained by volunteers. "So for me, giving my time to West Otago Health feels like doing my part to keep that spirit alive. "It's about contributing to the kind of community I want my family to grow up in — one where people show up for each other." Robbie Finlayson has volunteered countless hours of expertise to Kidzway Early Learning Centre since it opened in 2008. "[It's been] a great way to get to know a wide range of people, many of whom have become lifelong friends. I have certainly learnt a lot of new skills along the way, but best of all it's knowing every little thing you do helps someone else." The network also has the reach to source volunteers from beyond Clutha, such as Otago Student Army, who marched out in force to help clear flood debris in the Catlins late last year. Clutha District Council held the annual community service awards at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre in Balclutha last night to encourage the spirit of community generosity by highlighting and rewarding some of the area's most dedicated volunteers.
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Scoop
Celebrating Health Volunteers During National Volunteer Week
Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Health Minister for Mental Health Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey are marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to New Zealand's health system, including this year's recipients of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards. This year's theme – Volunteering weaves us together – highlights the power of volunteering to strengthen the fabric of our communities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive New Zealand. 'Since 2013, the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been an excellent way for us to celebrate the wonderful health volunteers we have across the country. Over the past few months, I've been visiting the 2024 recipients in their communities to personally thank them, concluding with my final visit today. 'The recipients come from all corners of New Zealand and range in age from 17 to 90. It's been inspiring to meet these volunteers, hear their stories, and see firsthand the difference they make.' Recipients include: Tarihira Anaru, winner of the Health Care Provider Service Award, who has volunteered since 2014 with Canterbury's Better Breathing Programme, helping people with respiratory conditions through education and gentle exercise. Trevor Johns, winner of the Long Service Award, who has served with Hato Hone St John for 46 years and, at 91, continues as a Health Shuttle driver and hospital volunteer in Rotorua. Aloese Lefono, winner of the Pacific Health Service Award, who leads a support group uniting Pacific people with Parkinson's and their families through connection, education, and care. The Hohepa Student Volunteers, a group of 23 students from Cashmere High School (Years 12 and 13), who generously give their time to visit people with intellectual disabilities. The Te Whare Manaaki team of Tolaga Bay, winners of the Māori Health Service Award, who provide vital community support, including emergency relief during Cyclone Gabrielle, and continue to strengthen local services. The Cancer Society Oncology Hosts, winners of the Community / NGO Award, who support cancer patients and families across the country. Mr Doocey has also met with award recipient Tanja Collinge, winner of the newly introduced Mental Health and Addiction category. 'It was my pleasure to meet Tanja, who co-founded Red Door Recovery and has volunteered as its cook since 2014. After her own journey of recovery following a brain aneurysm, Tanja has used her skills to give back and help others on their path to wellness,' Mr Doocey says. 'I've seen firsthand how powerful connection can be for mental health. I've also witnessed the profound impact that volunteers, particularly those with lived experience, have on the people they support.' Together, these volunteers remind us that a compassionate, connected health system relies not just on professionals, but on the generosity of people willing to serve others. Their work strengthens our communities and supports the wellbeing of thousands. 'I know how small acts of kindness – a cup of tea, a listening ear, a word of encouragement – can make all the difference during difficult times,' Mr Brown says. 'Thank you to all the volunteers who support the health system. Your kindness, empathy, and dedication have a profound impact on the lives of New Zealanders.'
NZ Herald
15-06-2025
- NZ Herald
How one volunteer makes people feel seen
This National Volunteer Week, we're reminded that something as simple as a kōrero can make a world of difference. Right now, more than 41,000 Kiwis are experiencing homelessness, and even more are facing severe hardship – a number that continues to grow. It's an issue that can feel distant, but the reality is it could affect someone you pass on the street, a colleague, or even a friend. For Megan, the crisis is deeply personal. She's been there. Now, she's doing what she can to help others feel seen. Every Sunday in Ōtautahi Christchurch, she turns up with a warm smile, a listening ear, and a desire to make a difference. A nurse by trade and a natural empath by heart, Megan volunteers with Orange Sky Aotearoa – a charity offering free laundry services, warm showers, and, most importantly, connection for people doing it tough. 'I love chatting,' Megan says. 'I'm a bit of an extraverted introvert. I don't get out much, but when I do, I want to connect. I want people to know they matter.' Her drive to volunteer comes from lived experience. A survivor of abuse and mental illness, she once found herself homeless in the early 2000s. 'I had escaped a situation in Christchurch that was not serving me. I wanted to get as far away as I could and I made my way to the North Island. I had no fixed abode and I didn't know where to go for help. I ended up sleeping in the gardens of Wellington Hospital,' she shares. 'At that time, I didn't feel seen or safe, and the memory of that experience never left me.' Years later, when she saw an ad to volunteer for Orange Sky, she reached out immediately. 'I just thought, wow, this is amazing. It really brought something home to me.' Orange Sky offers more than just practical support like free laundry and showers, it creates a safe, non-judgmental space for connection. The service supports communities in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Tauranga, and Heretaunga (Hawke's Bay). Kat Doughty, Senior Impact Manager for Orange Sky says the volunteers are the heart of Orange Sky. 'Every conversation, every load of washing, every moment of connection is only possible because of their time, compassion and commitment. We're incredibly grateful for them and we always need more people like them. Their impact is powerful, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them.' 'There's no hierarchy on shift,' Megan explains. 'Sometimes you're on laundry, other times showers. Everyone pitches in. But really, the magic happens in the conversations.' Megan sees Orange Sky as much more than a charity, it's a movement of compassion. 'To be useful to others, you've got to take care of yourself too,' she says. 'Volunteering helps me do that. It reminds me of how a little kindness can go a long way.' Her lived experience gives her a powerful sense of empathy. 'People think those experiencing homelessness just need to pull their socks up. But they don't know what's behind the story. Volunteering is about challenging that thinking, looking at people as worthy of your respect, no matter what.' For Megan, the flexibility of Orange Sky's shifts fits perfectly around her busy roster. And that's part of the beauty – volunteers come from all walks of life. You don't need special skills or experience, just a couple of spare hours a fortnight and a willingness to connect. 'It's one of the few things I can fit in, and it fills me up emotionally. Every time I leave a shift, I feel like I've done something good in my little part of the world. That I've helped someone feel seen,' she says. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, Megan's story is a powerful reminder that one person, one load of washing, and one genuine kōrero at a time can change lives. Orange Sky is always looking for volunteers and supporters, whether it's helping on a shift, donating, or spreading the word. Since launching in Aotearoa in 2018, the charity has delivered over 32,000 loads of laundry, 15,000 warm showers, and 47,000 hours of kōrero.
