Community

Volunteering

Woman at desk

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.

Local voluntary organisations

Volunteering Canterbury
Supports and promotes the work of volunteers and voluntary organisations. Search volunteering opportunities and register online.
Places to volunteer
Search the libraries' CINCH database for information about volunteering and voluntary organisations.

Quick fact

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. Learn more about volunteering for Red Cross New Zealand.

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.

Volunteer Service Abroad

Volunteer Service Abroad which 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.

VolunTourism

A recent trend is for travellers to volunteer in countries they are visiting. The VolunTourism website is a good introduction to this.

More information