Mid & South Canterbury/VolunteeringTe Rōpū Tūao i te waenga o Waitaha was established in 2007, prior to this it had been under volunteering Canterbury. In 2008 it gained its own Charitable status.
To support communities where voluntary work is understood, recognised, and valued.
To promote, support, and uphold the integrity of voluntary work with commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
To uphold the rights and responsibilities of volunteers.
To provide and promote information and resources on volunteering.
To encourage the community to understand, value and participate in volunteer work as part of a wider definition of work.
To promote cross cultural understanding where the unique role of Tangata Whenua is recognised.
We provide services throughout the Mid & South Canterbury from the Rakaia River in the North, to the Waitaki River in the South from the mountains in the West and the Pacific Ocean in the East including Ashburton Fairlie, Geraldine, Hinds, Mayfield, Methven, Mt Cook, Pleasant Point, Rakaia, St Andrews, Tekapo, Temuka, Timaru, Twizel and Waimate. This area covers four District Councils and has New Zealand's most remotely populated areas.
Our services include recruiting and referring volunteers to not-for-profit organisations, supporting the volunteer programmes of member not-for-profits, advocating for the volunteer sector and celebrating volunteering throughout the region.
Our organisation is part of a bigger national network through Volunteering New Zealand and the Volunteer Centre Network Aotearoa. Being part of a larger collective of likeminded people and organisations gives as greater access to ideas, research, and resources.
Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury/Te Rōpū Tūao i te waenga o Waitaha has a strong focus on ''best practice'' in volunteer management. This is reflected in our own work, and in our expectation of other organisations that work with volunteers.