According to 2020 data, every fifth New Zealander takes part in volunteering. At the same time, it is noted that the number of people willing to contribute to society on a voluntary basis has decreased by 7% compared to 2013. Many organizations that depend on volunteer work report a shortage of volunteers.
Benefits of Volunteering
In New Zealand, volunteer experience is welcomed and encouraged. If you have recently arrived in New Zealand and do not yet have local work experience, volunteering can significantly help with future employment.
Even if your volunteer experience is not directly related to your profession, it can still be very beneficial. You can gain new skills, expand your network, learn about general work processes and workplace communication, and of course, practice your English.
Also, including volunteer experience in your resume is a positive aspect that shows you are an active person who shares values with the local population. It makes you a more attractive candidate for closer consideration.
Additionally, the organization where you volunteer will most likely be happy to thank you for your work and provide you with a great reference, which will make it easier to find paid employment.
Expert Opinion
Rebecca Miller, head of SEEK Volunteer, notes:
“Our experience shows that volunteering is indeed an important step in the job search process.”
A study conducted by SEEK Volunteer revealed that:
- 69% of people say their volunteer experience reflects who they really are, and
- 68% believe that having volunteer experience shows an employer that they are not afraid of hard work.
In addition to the obvious benefits in developing professional and social skills, volunteering also brings great psychological satisfaction. As well as a sense of being involved in something important and meaningful. A role that matches your abilities and interests will definitely bring you joy. And might even eventually grow into something more significant than just volunteering.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities. And with some effort put into searching, you can always find a role that suits you. This could be anything from working as a clown for disadvantaged children to volunteering at a sports or music festival.
Where to Start?
Finding a volunteer position in New Zealand is not difficult. However, it largely depends on your goals and the kind of experience you want to gain.
Social sector, large event organizations, environmental projects, and animal shelters always need volunteers. These roles usually do not require special skills and involve simple tasks. For example, planting trees, greeting and registering guests, helping the elderly, organizing children’s activities, caring for animals, etc.
If you view volunteering as a chance to apply your professional qualifications, you may need to be more persistent in your search, but such opportunities definitely exist!
Try to clearly define what you want to get from your volunteer experience. And what knowledge and value you can bring to the organization. Find suitable roles or organizations and apply for a position. If there are no advertised vacancies, you can send a direct inquiry via email. Briefly explain what you are looking for, why you’re interested in volunteering with that particular organization, and be sure to mention how you believe you can be helpful.
If you applied for a vacancy, be ready to wait a few days. Especially if you’re dealing with a non-profit organization. These groups often operate with small budgets and limited staff, so it may take some time for them to respond. Be patient. If you haven’t received a reply within 2–3 days, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up with a phone call to check on your application and ask if you can speed up the process. For example by providing additional information.
If your application is successful, you will receive a response with detailed information and guidance on the next steps, which may include:
- an interview
- reference checks
- a police check (required for work with children)
- training
How Much Time Does Volunteering Take?
On average, New Zealanders dedicate about 3 hours a month to volunteering. Volunteer roles can be either long-term or one-off.
If the role requires any training or familiarization with its specifics, the organization will usually prefer someone who is willing to stay for the long term (6 months or more). However, the weekly time commitment might be minimal, sometimes just around 1 hour.
If you’re not ready to commit long-term, you can consider one-off volunteering, which is often needed at various events.
Where to find?
If you’re looking for volunteer options, pay attention to these websites:
