National Volunteer Week

Adrienne Matthews

National Volunteer Week 2025 will be celebrated across New Zealand from June 15 to 21. This year’s theme, "Whiria Te Tangata – Weaving the People Together," emphasizes the vital role volunteers play in building strong, connected communities. It highlights how volunteering brings people together, helping to create a more inclusive and united society.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an annual opportunity to acknowledge the incredible contributions of volunteers throughout the country. It is a time to reflect on the generosity and dedication of the many people who give their time, energy, and skills to support others. From community groups to social services, environmental efforts to health and wellbeing initiatives, volunteers are at the heart of countless organisations that make a real difference every day.

The theme "Whiria te tangata" reminds us that through volunteering, individuals are woven into the wider social fabric, creating bonds that strengthen the whole. It celebrates the spirit of connection and unity, and the positive impact of collective effort.

During this special week, communities, organisations, and individuals are encouraged to take time to celebrate, thank, and support volunteers. Whether by hosting events, sharing stories, or simply expressing gratitude, NVW is a chance to honour those who help make New Zealand a better place for all.

Volunteer Marlborough
This outstanding organisation has promoted volunteering across the region since 2009, connecting volunteers with over 150 local organisations. They offer roles in events, mentoring, admin, conservation, and more. With training and resources for both volunteers and organisations, they help build strong, effective volunteer relationships. Get in touch to get involved!

The Blue Door
The Blue Door is one of Marlborough’s oldest charity organisations dedicated to fostering recycling and supporting the community through grants programs. All of the profit raised by the Blue Door is distributed back into the Marlborough community.

We are always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who may be able to provide a half day or full day a week of their time. Or it might be a one-off job that needs attending to once a month. Whatever the role it all helps to keep the Blue Door store functioning.  Volunteers are key to the Blue Door’s success.

Jobs can range from inwards goods sorting and costing, merchandising and shop display, electrical tagging and testing, store maintenance, driving ute pickup and drop offs, graphic design for instore and social media, to keeping our store looking spic and span.

With our recent new look, layout and fresh carpet being laid in early July; and continuing to provide affordable goods; we hope to encourage a whole lot more of the Marlborough community to volunteer or shop in store.

Jump onto thebluedoor.nz or visit us in store for more information.

Presbyterian Support
From quiet chats to hands-on help, our volunteers bring care and connection to every corner of our community, making a difference in so many ways.

In Family Works, volunteers like Mike* build trust and confidence with young people through weekly meet ups filled with games, chats, and a bit of fun, moments that mean the world to a young person needing support.

Volunteers like Janet* bring comfort and joy to older people through companionship, helping with transport, and sharing everyday moments that create a true sense of belonging.

Meanwhile, volunteers support vital programmes by serving meals, helping with events, or simply offering a friendly smile and a listening ear to anyone who needs it.

Together, these 200 volunteers have gifted over 22,000 hours of kindness this year. Their generosity strengthens us all and lights the way for a brighter, more connected community.

Salvation Army (Family Store)
The Blenheim Salvation Army second-hand store offers clothing, furniture, and household goods for sale with profits used to support the organisation’s many services of caring in the Marlborough community. Donations are always welcome including fashion, furniture, books, toys, and collectables. Do you have quality items too good to throw away? Take them to the store today. Large items can be collected by arrangement.

Marlborough Four Paws
This dedicated pet rescue organisation helps abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals find loving homes. Run by passionate volunteers, they provide care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services, relying on community support through donations, fostering, and adoption. Every animal deserves a second chance. More volunteers are always needed. Get involved and make a difference.

GMW Jewellery
Gina Botham’s GMW Jewellery business is a significant sponsor of Marlborough Four Paws The store is running its annual ‘Can for a Clean’ pet food food drive when people can bring their jewellery in for a check and clean in exchange for a donation of pet food that goes to the organisation. There are a few days left to get your jewellery in but be quick.

Age Concern Marlborough
Volunteering with Age Concern Marlborough offers a chance to support older people in our community through friendship, visits, transport, and events. Volunteers help reduce loneliness and promote wellbeing among seniors. Whether you can give time regularly or occasionally, your support will make a meaningful difference. Join us in making connections that matter.

NZ Red Cross/ Whiria te tangata
Volunteering with Red Cross Marlborough is a rewarding way to give back to the community. Whether assisting in emergencies, supporting the elderly, or helping with community programs, volunteers make a real difference. Join today and experience the satisfaction that comes from knowing that your compassion can genuinely help when someone needs it most.

MVIP
The Marlborough Violence Intervention Project is a network of organisations and members of the public working to make Marlborough a safer place to live and where people can enjoy personal safety and security, are free from victimisation, abuse, violence, and avoidable injury. They welcome new network members and partners.

English Language Partners Marlborough
Volunteering with English Language Partners Marlborough is a life-changing experience for both you and your learner. Help a refugee or migrant gain confidence, language skills, and a sense of belonging in our community. You don’t need teaching experience, just everyday English, and an open heart. You will receive comprehensive free NZQA-approved training and support and make a real difference to those new to the region.

Selmes Garden Centre
Located in Burleigh, Selmes Garden Centre is a community-driven, non-profit organisation that creates inclusive employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. It began in 2008 on Battys Road, following the closure of a local nursery. Selmes operates with a strong ethical foundation, paying fair wages and offering structured job training for people with disabilities. As a charitable trust, it sustains its efforts through the generosity of donors and community grants with volunteers at the core of it all, working toward the shared goals of empowerment and environmental stewardship.

The centre grows a wide variety of eco-sourced native plants specific to the Marlborough region, catering to both private gardeners and larger ecological restoration efforts. Alongside this, it stocks fruit trees, vegetable seedlings, and landscaping materials for retail. If you have a love for gardening and enjoy people, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to give something precious to the centre as a volunteer.