It’s a word that can strike fear into the heart of even the most community minded amongst us: “committee”. But Zoe Huggett hasn't run from the word - she’s embraced it.

As volunteer treasurer for Aspiring Gymsports, Zoe’s experiences with the committee have been overwhelmingly positive. 

“When I joined I didn't know that Aspiring Gymsports is a non profit organisation overseen by a committee. It’s a bunch of incredibly talented, passionate and competent people,” she said.

Meeting inspiring people is a key reason why Zoe volunteers for both Aspiring Gymsports and also for Coeliac NZ.

Hailing from the UK, Zoe switched from one career path to something completely different. 

“I did a degree in geography but was attracted to the sheer usefulness of accountancy,” she said.

Zoe worked for a large firm in London for three years, qualifying as a chartered accountant.

But all was not lost with the geography qualification when she began to travel. 

“It was really useful when I was a tour guide shepherding a group of starry eyed 18 to 35-year-olds all around South America,” Zoe said. She met her husband on one of these trips too.

It's a familiar story: Coming to Wanaka for one ski season, she and her husband never left. Zoe now works three days a week for a local accounting firm, Findex; helps her husband in his building business; and enjoys the Wanaka lifestyle with their two children. 

It was their kids who prompted Zoe to volunteer. 

“They both did Mini Muscles with Aspiring Gymsports and really enjoyed it. There was a call for committee members and my experience fitted the bill for secretary and then treasurer,” she said, adding that she enjoys being able to use her accounting skills to contribute to a community organisation.

Wanaka’s Aspiring Gymsports is made up of a team of professionally accomplished coaches, administration staff and volunteers. Their aim is to provide affordable and fun fitness programmes from tots to adults.

Zoe has another passion. Five years ago her daughter was diagnosed with coeliac disease.

“This is not a fad diet. It’s a medical condition. Even a crumb of bread can be a serious problem for a child with coeliac disease.” 

Zoe got help from Coeliac New Zealand, which promotes the welfare of children and adults who have been medically diagnosed with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. The organisation aims to raise awareness and to provide support and information to people with coeliac disease, their whanau and the wider community.

Zoe quickly realised the need for support at a local level, particularly with the social challenges for coeliac children.

Setting up and running the local Coeliac Kids Club, Zoe holds fun events for the kids and supports other parents who are facing this overwhelming diagnosis. 

“It’s cool to see these kids together. They realise there are other kids like them and they are all eating the same thing so it just becomes normal.” 

She has seen huge increases in confidence and happiness in the group. Zoe also helps parents negotiate the confusing world of food choices and information about the condition.

The two volunteering roles have been busy, and Zoe says she will step aside from her treasurer position this year. She has loved her time on the committee but now feels that she needs to give her full attention to the Coeliac Kids Club. 

“This is a lifelong diagnosis and I feel that the Kids Club can make a difference to how people come to handle it for their whole lives.”

The new Aspiring Gymsports treasurer will be coming in at an exciting time. The whole team has been campaigning for fit for purpose premises for a long time and the organisation is poised for their next move.

“Volunteer. It's so rewarding and you really are making a difference,” Zoe said.

Could you be the next treasurer or fundraising coordinator for Aspiring Gymsports, or maybe join Zoe in helping people with coeliac disease?

The team at Volunteer South - Central Lakes can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. See more roles at Volunteer in your Wanaka App.

Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand.

PHOTO: Supplied