Celebrating our people – National Volunteer Week

Published on 17 June 2026

It’s National Volunteer Week (14 to 20 June 2026) and we would like to take this chance to thank everyone who gives their time, energy and resources to make Whangārei District a better place. 

We see the generous spirit of volunteers everywhere, from Maungatapere Mountain Trust volunteers caring for the maunga, to Whangaruru and Ōakura Coast leaders stepping up after severe weather, to the bike mechanics at Whare Bike keeping people moving, and the young people who proudly hosted Youth Week events. 

That spirit also lives in our resident and ratepayer groups, the many board and committee members who keep clubs and community halls running, the long-serving volunteers at Whakaora Kai, the volunteers tending to the Raumanga Community Gardens, the community behind OneOneSix, the volunteer DJs powering Beagle Radio, and the countless community leaders behind the many other groups across the District. 

A 2024 'State of Volunteering Report' shows that while more people are volunteering, the way they give their time is changing, with a rise in casual, informal, remote, digital, short term, professional advisory and whānau-inclusive roles alongside traditional in-person contributions. 

The report estimates that 231 million hours are given each year across Aotearoa. That work is valued at around $6.4 billion, and more than half of New Zealanders (53%) are volunteering in some form, showing just how deeply service is woven into everyday life. Volunteering is not just generous but essential: 89% of community organisations are volunteer run, relying on the skills, time and goodwill of people who keep our social, cultural and environmental systems thriving. 

Volunteering Northland

If you are inspired to get involved, Volunteering Northland is a great place to start. Local people can explore volunteer opportunities across the District and find roles that match their interests, skills and availability through Volunteering Northland. 

Community organisations can also list volunteer ads and connect with people ready to make a difference. 

This National Volunteer Week, we encourage everyone in the Whangārei District to recognise the volunteers around them and, if the time is right, take the next step and become one.

Volunteering Northland roles (volunteeringnorthland.nz)