Volunteer South assures the volunteers and organisations they work with that their services remain accessible under the red traffic light setting.

Volunteer South is making changes to ways it works, to be in line with national recommendations and requirements.

That meant more working from home and more Zoom meetings, but the message is clear - “we are still here,” Volunteer South CEO Sue Russell said.

“We are still here to support organisations with all their volunteer needs and individuals looking to connect with their community through volunteering.

“We continue to list and update volunteer opportunities on our website, Facebook groups, community apps and newsletters, where volunteers can browse roles and express an interest in roles they want to explore.

"For volunteers preferring more guidance, or organisations keen to talk about their needs; we invite you to get in touch with us and we will arrange the most appropriate way to chat," she said.

"We are committed to remain as accessible and safe as possible.".

The organisations Volunteer South works with with are also adapting to the changing landscape.

The Cancer Society, which involves volunteers in a range of ways, from fundraising through to supportive care roles, is having to adapt the way it runs services.

Cancer Society Otago Southland volunteering manager Charlotte Malloy said although volunteering opportunities were limited in red, volunteers could help via telephone and with online support.

The Cancer Society’s Relay For Life has been replaced by ‘Relay Your Way’ encouraging people to create their own relay and raise funds to help people impacted by cancer.

“Volunteers are essential to the success of ‘Relay Your Way’ by calling businesses to encourage participation and connecting with our local communities.

"Our volunteers are keen to help and make a difference through focusing on something positive and beneficial to the community.

"We have been impressed by our volunteers' loyalty and ability to pivot with us as we navigate the traffic light system safely,” Charlotte said. 

Volunteer South board chair Andrew Whiley said working under Covid-19 haf seen relationships develop and new ways of working across the community sector.

"With that comes opportunities to work together in new and exciting ways.

"We are looking forward to the year ahead and whilst it will undoubtedly bring challenges as the Covid landscape continues to change, we are starting the year with the key message that we are here and continue to encourage, support and celebrate volunteering in our communities.”

Kaitūao o te Taitonga | 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.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand is committed to working with communities by providing leadership and advocacy in cancer control, with core services in health promotion, support, information and resources, also research. For more information about Relay Your Way head to https://www.relayforlife.org.nz/