Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu National Volunteer Week is running from June 18-24, honouring the collective energies and mana of volunteers across the country.

The theme is ‘Time to Shine – He wā pīataata’. 

Volunteer South, one of 17 volunteer centres in New Zealand, is encouraging organisations that involve volunteers to thank them for the difference they make and the impact they have in their communities.

“We encourage volunteer leaders to give their volunteers a big shout out this National Volunteer Week at a special thank you event on social media or perhaps shout them a morning tea,” Volunteer South regional lead Gillian White said.

One of the organisations thanking its volunteers is the Alexandra Blossom Festival, for whom volunteers have been the backbone of the event for 66 years.

Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson says volunteers were an integral part of the iconic event.

From serving on the committee throughout the year, organising the Senior Queen and festival princesses, to building the floats and florreys, working behind the scenes, manning the gates and ticketing, performing and photographing the festival - volunteers played an important part.

“We have so many wonderful people committed to making this event a success and it really highlights that sense of community that makes the Alexandra Blossom Festival so special,’’ he said.

“The Blossom Festival is New Zealand’s longest running festival and it has been the dedication and passion of so many volunteers which has allowed for this to happen.

“This National Volunteer Week we wish to make a special acknowledgement of our volunteers and their dedication - we celebrate you for the amazing people you are. Thank you, you make this all possible.’’

Volunteer South would also be running a ‘Shine a Light on Volunteering’ campaign for National Volunteer Week, Gillian said.

“We have reached out to leaders in our communities and are connecting them with organisations that involve volunteers to shine a light on the range of roles available and to encourage other volunteers to put their hands up to help.”

“We have local mayors, sports people and musicians out and about during the month of June and will be sharing their stories in the upcoming weeks.” 

Volunteering is known to have a huge range of benefits to an individual's wellbeing and the wider community, so the team at Volunteer South are encouraging anyone inspired to volunteer to reach out. 

“We have a team of Community Connectors who will happily help people find a role that sparks their interest,” Gillian said. 

“With nearly 400 roles currently being promoted on our website there really is something for everyone. We thank all the amazing volunteers making a difference in their communities and encourage you to join them.” 

For opportunities to volunteer at this years Alexandra Blossom Festival, contact Martin at [email protected]

For general volunteer opportunities in Central Otago, check out the Volunteer South website.