About us

Volunteering New Plymouth was established in 2002.

The main purpose of Volunteering New Plymouth is to assist ‘not for profit’ community groups in recruiting and retaining volunteers and to offer ongoing support to all community organisations and their volunteers.  To do this we offer our service as a contact point for all volunteers and community agencies.  We provide information about opportunities for volunteering, we raise community awareness of the importance of the work that is undertaken by volunteers, we organise recognition awards, we advocate on behalf of volunteers and community organisations at a local and national level and we provide a channel where resources can be shared, particularly in the training of volunteers and their coordinators/managers.

Our Purpose

To be the preferred point of contact to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, capability and capacity of volunteers and voluntary groups by offering recruitment, training & support. Also promoting good practice in volunteer management and recognising the contribution of volunteers in our communities.

How can we help you?

There are many ways and often it starts with a phone call or email. VNP can:

• Place Volunteer Call adverts on behalf of organisations in community newspapers and publications
• Meet with those in management and governance roles to provide support and advice
• Offer training through our regular workshops and seminars – often this is free or available at a low cost
• Match volunteers looking for volunteering roles with organisations looking for specific skills
• Recognise and reward volunteers through our annual Volunteer Awards and events such as Volunteer Managers Day and International Volunteers Day Lunch.

Current Projects:

Awanui Angels - garden maintenance in Awanui Cemetery

Knitters & Crocheters - Tiny Teddies for Gabby's Starlit HOPE; Red Tiny teddies & woollen beanies. singlets, cardis for Heart Kids Taranaki; Teddies for ED; Slippers; Beanies; Winter Warmers for WISE Charitable Trust

Micro Volunteering - Colouring in Alphabet letters for Heart Kids Taranaki

Sewing - Reusable Bags for Foodbanks, etc; Pepe Pod Holdall's for Hardship to Hope