National Volunteer Week celebrates millions of volunteers

National Volunteer Week 15 -21 June is New Zealand's largest celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme—Whiria te tangata, “Weaving the people together” is a powerful reminder of what volunteering truly means. It’s more than giving time; it’s about building connection. When people come together to help one another, they strengthen the fabric of our communities. These connections cross cultures, generations, and backgrounds, reminding us that together, we are stronger, kinder, and more resilient.

Volunteers are often the quiet force behind the services, events, and everyday acts that support and uplift our communities. Whether delivering meals, mentoring youth, planting trees, or simply lending a hand, volunteers create ripples of impact that reach far and wide.

In New Zealand, more than 53% of adults volunteer—either formally through organisations or informally helping others. Formal volunteering alone contributes $6.4 billion to the economy, and when informal volunteering is included, the total value soars to $14.4 billion. Yet beyond the economic value, volunteering is essential to the wellbeing, cohesion, and vitality of our society.

At Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury, we are privileged to witness this spirit in action every day. In the past year, we’ve connected hundreds of individuals with volunteering opportunities that reflect their interests and values. We’ve supported organisations to strengthen their volunteer programmes and shared stories of people making a difference in quiet but powerful ways.

We also acknowledge the incredible organisations that create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for volunteers. Volunteering is a partnership—and when organisations and volunteers work together with mutual respect and shared purpose, our communities flourish.

This National Volunteer Week, we invite everyone to join in the celebration:

• Thank a volunteer
• Share your own volunteering story
• Explore how you might get involved

Every act of service—no matter how big or small—makes a difference.

To all the volunteers in our region: thank you. You are truly the heart of our communities.