Age Concern Taranaki - TDN 16.05.25
Graham Ault, Volunteering New Plymouth’s volunteer show interviewer & I had the privilege of having Marcia Millard the Visiting Service Co-Ordinator from Age Concern Taranaki as a guest on our Radio show Volly Voices with Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.
Do you know what Age Concern Taranaki offer??
In Taranaki they have several programmes servicing from Waitara in the North to Patea in the South – however we are today focusing on the just one of these the Visiting Services.
In the heart of Taranaki, Age Concern Taranaki is making significant strides in combating loneliness among our older population through its dedicated Visiting Service.
This initiative pairs volunteers with seniors who seek companionship, fostering meaningful connections that enrich lives on both sides. In essence, they are bringing generations together with this service
The Service: This is a befriending program designed for individuals who are aged 65 and over who may feel isolated or desire more social interaction.
Volunteers can be any age and not necessarily over 65. All volunteers are carefully vetted, reference checked and trained. The requirement is a commitment to spending about an hour each week with their matched senior, engaging in conversations and shared activities.
These visits often occur in the comfort of the senior's home, providing a consistent and friendly presence in their lives.
Meaningful Matches: A key strength of the program lies in its thoughtful matching process.
The Visiting Service Coordinator, Marcia, ensures that volunteers and seniors are paired based on shared interests, cultural backgrounds, and personalities.
This careful alignment fosters genuine friendships and ensures that both parties find the experience rewarding.
The Impact: Regular visits have shown to significantly improve the well-being and happiness of older individuals.
For volunteers, the experience offers a sense of fulfillment and the joy of making a positive difference in someone's life. With over 50 volunteers currently engaged across Taranaki, the program is a testament to the community's commitment to its senior members.
Getting Involved: The importance of social connections for our elderly population is paramount and we encourage community members to participate in this impactful program.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, or if you're interested in becoming a volunteer, Age Concern Taranaki welcomes your involvement.
Referrals can be made by individuals, families, or health professionals, with the consent of the person being referred.
The organisation provides ongoing support and training to ensure a positive experience for all participants.
What is involved in becoming a volunteer? You will work as part of an amazing team and be equipped with training and resources.
What's the time commitment? Most volunteers visit with one senior each week. Volunteers also commit to initial training and ongoing update meetings.
What skills do I need? You need to be a good communicator and able to engage respectfully and comfortably with people who may have hearing or memory loss, be patient, and able to treat the diverse seniors with dignity, respect and confidentiality as well as bring a cheerful and friendly demeanour, which can help brighten your senior’s day.
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about Age Concern Taranaki Visiting Service, this Volly Voice session was aired on Access Radio in May. This show is also available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcast the following week after the show has aired. Go to Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact? If this sounds interesting to you, then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth by emailing Wendy at admin@vnp.nz.
If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986 or Ph/text 022 571 4228 for more information.
Citizens Advice Bureau - CAB - TDN 09.05.25
Nga Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa
Graham Ault, Volunteering New Plymouth’s volunteer show interviewer & Marie had the privilege of having Peter Hewett from Citizens Advice Bureau as a guest on our Radio show Volly Voices with Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.
Do you know what Citizens Advice Bureau offer??
What are they about and What advice do they offer??
Citizens Advice Bureau is a Nationwide community organisation with an office based locally. They are independently incorporated and a member of Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ)
This service is provided by more than 2,000 trained volunteers, in more than 80 locations around New Zealand. Their volunteers are supported by a comprehensive knowledgebase and regular learning.
They help people to know and understand their rights and obligations, and how to use this information to get the best outcomes. They provide people with the confidence and support they need to take action. They use insights from their clients’ experiences to work for positive social change.
New Plymouth CAB are based at Community House, 32 Leach Street, open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm and on Monday night by appointment from 7.15pm.
CAB runs a JP service on Monday between 10am and 12.30pm.
In Hawera their hours are Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 12.30pm
The service is free and confidential to the inquirer.
What is involved in becoming a volunteer? You will work as part of an amazing team and be equipped with training and resources. You will support CAB clients with information and advice on a range of issues. You might also help with other aspects of running CAB.
What's the time commitment? Most volunteers help for one shift each week, generally 2-3 hours. Volunteers also commit to initial training and ongoing learning.
What skills do I need? You need to be a good communicator, be patient, welcoming, and able to treat the diverse clients with dignity and respect. You need to be comfortable using a computer and doing research using their database.
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about Citizens Advice Bureau, a Volly Voice session was aired on Access Radio in April. This show is available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcast the following week after the show has aired. Go the Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or go to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact? If this sounds interesting to you, then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth by emailing Wendy at admin@vnp.nz
If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986 or text 022 571 4228 for more information.
Have you heard of We Love Dogs Charitable Trust?
What are they about and What do they do you ask??
They are a Taranaki based charity. They believe that dogs provide positive benefits to the physical and mental health of their owners, families and the community.
The trust focuses on:
due to the huge need out there in our community. Various factors result in an increase of requests to help rehome dogs and WLDs does not judge the owners on why. The focus is on the best welfare and outcome for the dog. Their fosters have been over-worked – hence the move to rehoming on behalf and seeking foster support only in dire welfare cases.
In 2023, they ceased rehoming dogs and moved to the rehome on behalf model. The process can take some time for the owners and dogs, so time needs to be allowed. This is an on-behalf process to help the owners and applicants meet and greet the dogs needing help, and ensure the new home is suitable. We Love Dogs advertise and put potential new owners in touch with the current owner.
WLD does take on puppies from time to time. They also have supported owners whose puppies need support for nutrition, vaccinations and vet checks to help in the rehoming process. The pups they help are all up for adoption, and many have attended the puppy and adolescent class with the wonderful Gabbie from Bark Off NZ.
With their desex programme WLD have received funding support from NZCat/SPCA and DIA to help implement the programme within Taranaki. WLD has organised and scheduled over 150 surgeries through the programme to date. With the support of New Plymouth Vet Group and Vets 4 Pets and other funding they plan to continue this service.
We Love Dogs is supported by volunteers who donate their time to liaise with dog owners, fundraising activities, quiz night, and Barket events.
The Barkets continue to be wonderful events with many people enjoying the amazing atmosphere. These are advised on the We Love Dogs Barket Facebook and WLD are hugely grateful for the support of Mad Media who support the trust utilising their billboard screen in Fitzroy and Liardet / Devon Street Look out for their Barkets, that help bring the dog community together.
They also need to fundraise for fuel vouchers for the foster carers and volunteers so that they are not out of pocket when they help out.
WLD have a number of programmes they would like to start but do not have the resources to do so. These includes:
The plan is to develop these programmes as the volunteer base grows and they look forward to bringing these to you.
Keep up to date with what we are doing through their website, Facebook page, and Instagram
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about, We Love Dogs , listen to Access Radio on Sunday April 13th at 2pm. This show is also available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcast on the Monday after the show has aired - to find this go the either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact? If this sounds interesting to you then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth Wendy admin@vnp.nz or check We Love Dogs out on Facebook. If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986 / text 022 571 4228 for more information.
EGL – Enabling Good Lives
Have you heard of Enabling Good Lives Taranaki?
What are they about and What do they do you ask??
Enabling Good Lives Taranaki has been set up to empower people with a disability by making it easier for them and their families to create good lives for themselves.
It all started:
In 2008 New Zealand endorsed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and there was a review into how things were going in New Zealand. The convention indicated what things should be like and the review made it clear that change was needed. Many disabled people, families and allies realised that the most important thing was for disabled people and families to have more control in their lives and supports as well as the ability to lead change.
How did EGL evolve?
The EGL approach came from the community. Between 2008 and 2013 hundreds of disabled people and their families contributed to the development of the EGL approach directly and indirectly (through networks). There were many ways disabled people and families built the EGL approach.
Between 2009 and 2012 there was a group of community organisations governed and staffed by disabled people and/or families that worked with the Minister for Disability Issues. They were connected with many hundreds of disabled people and families and spent lots of time explaining how new approaches could work.
In 2011 the Minister for Disability Issues invited a group of leaders in the disability sector to develop a “clean sheet” approach to positive change. This group of disabled people families and allies wrote the first Enabling Good Lives report (EGL).
Investing in disabled people and their families is key to EGL. This means resources go to networks and organisations led by disabled people and families so that they can build knowledge, skills and connections.
The EGL approach requires that changes are made to communities, government systems and service provision. These changes need to be built on the EGL vision and principles. The aim of these changes is to build person directed supports, accessible communities and a society that values the contribution of disabled people.
This is done locally by the Core Group Coordinator working with the disabled person and family / whanau to ensure that they know and understand how they can choose and control the supports and activities in their own lives. This is to ensure that the disabled person has a say in acknowledging what a good life means to them and what and how this can positively impact their quality of life.
For each person this will look very different depending on their abilities and the support needed.
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about Enabling Good Lives Taranaki , listen to Access Radio on Sunday March 30th at 2pm. This show is also available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcast on the Monday after the show has aired - to find this go the either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact?
If this sounds interesting to you then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth or check Enabling Good Lives out on Facebook - EGLTaranaki or email admin@egltaranaki.org.nz. If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986; Ph/Text 022 571 4228 or Email admin@vnp.nz for more information.
Educare Training website: https://www.educaretraining.ac.nz/
Graham Ault, Volunteering New Plymouth’s volunteer show interviewer & I had the privilege of Donna General Manager / Tutor and the wearer of many hats and Courtney Marketing Manager and Public Relations from Educare Training Trust as guests on our Radio show Volly Voices with Access Radio Taranaki 104.4fm which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.
Donna and Courtney share interesting information about their roles at Educare Training, as well as explain how they are able to offer training in the support and education sector for free. They also proudly share a couple of wonderful success stories of people who they have helped from the very start and their journey to employment in the sector.
The team at Educare are warm and caring and based in New Plymouth. As a charitable Trust, they provide the programmes for free, ensuring those passionate about support and education are given the opportunity to pursue their choice of career. They have been leaders in early childhood and support since the programme began in 1987. They are the qualification developer for New Zealand Education Support Level 3 and Level 4 and the education programmes have earned the highest accolade from NZQA. They were awarded Highly Confident in Educational Performance an Self-Assessment sectors. Only 23% of New Zealand’s tertiary providers receive this Category 1 status.
They genuinely care about each person who walks through the Educare Training doors. The staff are trained to support each student through their studies providing quality care and education. It is the dedication of the team that makes the Educare Training experience one of the best in the country.
They believe support is fundamental to the well-being and success of their trainees.
For this reason, they have several support systems in place to ensure that the trainees are able to fulfill the requirements of the programmes. Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) fund the training programmes and provide an allowance for travel assistance for those who are eligible for Youth Guarantee, which Educare administers to ensure that the trainees are able to attend their practicum (Placement with an education centre that relates to the current module) or classes at Educare Training. For those aged 18 or older the trainees are able to apply through Study Link for a student allowance or living costs.
Educare Training is dedicated to offering free training for level 3 and 4 programmes. This means the trainees will not need to apply for a student loan to cover programme fees. The nature of the programmes are completely supportive and they aim to ensure that all students on the programmes make it through to completion and go on to further training or employment.
Sorting Support - To support these programmes they are starting another service and working to ensure that all trainees have clothes, so that they feel confident about attending their practicum. They have been talking with Dress for Success Auckland, and have been donated an amazing amount of suitable clothes, which need to be sorted – so they are looking for a wonderful volunteer who can support this mahi.
There is another possibility to engage with this great training centre. They are about to go paperless – this means that they will be digitizing all the records and after this they need to clear out the old files; so, they are looking for someone to help them do this.
If either of these sound interesting to you then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth and we can refer you to these volunteer roles.
Where can you learn more: If you are interested in learning more about Educare Training Trust or the Volunteer Sorting roles that they have created listen to Access Radio on Sunday March 2nd at 2pm. This show is also available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcast on the Monday after the show has aired - to find this go the either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact: If you are curious to learn more and do not have access to going onto the internet, then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text 022 571 4228 for more information.
Cancer Society Taranaki Relay for Life - 14.02.25
Cancer Society Taranki Centre website: https://www.cancer.org.nz/about-us/find-a-cancer-society-office-near-you/taranaki/
Relay for Life: https://relayforlife.org.nz/o/2025-taranaki-relay
Graham Ault Volunteering New Plymouth’s volunteer Volly Voices show interviewer & I had the privilege of having Lisa Russell Events Coordinator and Talia Greiner the new Volunteer Coordinator with Cancer Society Taranaki as guests on our Radio show Volly Voices with Access Radio Taranaki 104.4fm which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.
The main emphasis was initially to focus on the upcoming Relay for Life which is being held on Saturday March 29th2025 at TET Stadium, Elliot Street, Inglewood starting at 10.30 am and going till 10.30pm. We originally planned to talk about the volunteers that are needed for this event; however, it was great to learn that they have the volunteers that they need due to the great work of the team and the volunteers who have supported this event in previous years putting their hands up again. Instead, we talked about the great work that Cancer Society Taranaki are doing and the different roles that the Volunteers
have within the organisation as well as the services that are on offer for a person with a cancer diagnosis and their family.
A key focus was then to encourage people to put together teams to participate in the Relay for Life the fundraising goal of $200K– which at time of writing stood at $25K+ a pretty good start.
We all know someone within our circle of friends / and or family who has been affected by cancer – so gather some friends together and support this great cause for an amazing day. If you gather 10 members together at $15 ($150) this will secure your site. This includes your participation in the ceremony and event on the day, a goodie bag of treats, a candle and candle bag for the Candlelight ceremony and the chance to win spot prizes on the day, Entertainment throughout the event, online personal fundraising page, social media post and story templates to make sharing your cause easy and also ongoing support from your local Relay for Life team who will be there with you every step of the way. So, gather friends, whanau, classmates and workmates together for an amazing way to support the fight against cancer. Do it now and gather the momentum till March 29th and see how much you can collectively raise for this challenge.
We also talked about the volunteer vacancies that are available for the receptionist position in both New Plymouth and Hawera.
The New Plymouth role shifts that are available are Tuesday and Friday 9am – 12pm / 12.30pm and Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 12 pm/12.30pm - 3pm/ 3.30pm. The key requirements for this role are that you have strong organizational skills and computer literacy and ability to get along easily with others. This can be a busy office so the ability to ensure a positive and inclusive environment is very important. They also have casual “on call” opportunities for those who prefer a more flexible commitment The Hawera role is to answer the phone and direct calls as required, to greet visitors in a warm and friendly manner and support the staff with tasks that may arise during the shift. Shifts are available during office hours between 10am – 3pm and the number of hours per shift can be semi flexible,
Where can you learn more: If you are interested in learning more about Relay for Life or the Volunteer Reception roles listen to Access Radio on Sunday February 16th at 2pm. This show is also available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast on the Monday after the show has aired - to find this go to either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact: If you are curious to learn more and do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 for more information.
Access Radio Website: https://accessradiotaranaki.com/
Do you listen to Radio?
Do you know about Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM?
Who are they and what do they do?
Graham and I had the privilege of having Anne, the Programme Manager of Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, as a guest on our Show (talking about World Radio Day) – Volly Voices which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.
Here are a few fun facts about World Radio Day – celebrated each year on February 13th.
Why that date, you ask – this is the date that UNESCO proclaimed to celebrate radio broadcasting, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio including community radio.
February 13th was chosen because it is the day in 1946 that United Nations Radio was established.
World Radio Day is the occasion for an annual theme that focuses on something good that radio does for societies and for humanity. World Radio Day 2025 is dedicated to “Radio and Climate Change” - it celebrates the many opportunities that radio broadcasting brings for giving prominence to climate change issues.
Radio has been around in some shape since 1901 however the first broadcast in New Zealand began in 1921 and was initially a private activity. The government eventually took more control of the industry, but by the 1980s it had become largely private again
In New Zealand there are 12 independently operated community access media stations that are dedicated to all things community. Together, they form the Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA), that represents, promotes and advocates for access media in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Its mission is that everyone in New Zealand should have space in the media.
This is why if you listen to 104.4fm you will hear a diverse range of topics and voices.
I have always thought of Access Radio Taranaki as our local all year WOMAD – World of Music and Diversity. There could be a local programme talking about legal matters with The Law Lady, Angela Solomons. Or a music show hosted by our very own Graham, interviewer on Volly Voices, with his own show Rhodie Remembers. You can listen to stories for adults or children with Pick a Tale, by story teller and writer Lesley Dowding, or hear your own language, e.g. with Taringa in Māori & English or Ta Talano in Samoan. Sometimes you can listen to programmes from another of the 11 Access Media stations, such as Plains FM’s Paris S’eveille (in French), or Jazz Café from OAR FM. And there are so many in between - definitely worth a listen.
Access Radio Taranaki (ART) is a professionally operated radio station that invites volunteers to share their passions and interests via radio media. You, too, could be part of this great community of broadcasts. ART offers the opportunity to share your interest, have your voice and your language heard here and across the world, as the shows are available to listen to at anytime and anywhere.
Where can you learn more: If you are interested in learning more about Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, listen to Access Radio on Sunday. This show is also available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go to either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact: If you are curious to learn more and do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 for more information or call into the station at Shop 4 Top Town Cinema Complex, New Plymouth
Website: https://meattheneed.org/
What is Meat the Need you ask? What do they do? Where are they based?
Meat the Need is a three-year-old charity that is farmer founded, and farmer led, they connect the dots between farmers who want to donate some of what they produce and families in need.
Produce, in the form of premium mince and milk, is donated by farmers and put into the hands of those already on the frontlines of food insecurity in NZ: food banks and community organisations. Food banks already know the needs of their local community, and it’s through them that mince and milk is given to families that need it.
Ultimately, the aim is for no one to go hungry in NZ. The belief is everyone should have access to the nutritious protein that is grown right here in NZ. Alongside farmers, Meat the Need are on a mission to achieve just that. 100% of farmer donations go directly into feeding families, whether that be livestock, milk or online donations (e.g. a ‘virtual animal’ or a ‘box of meat’).
If you’re a farmer, you can donate by signing up on their website meattheneed.org
Rural businesses can also back Meat the Need by joining via meattheneed.org/rural-business-supporter/
At Meat the Need, they are on a mission to ensure no one in New Zealand goes hungry. They do this by taking generous livestock donations from farmers and turning this into mince meat, which is donated to food banks across New Zealand. They also receive milk donations and distribute these out through the Feed Out programme. In the four years of operation, they have supplied 2.1 million mince and milk meals to families in need and support over 130 food banks and community organisations nationwide.
Meat the Need and Feed Out has some lofty goals. To help them achieve these goals they are looking for volunteers to be a part of their Champion programme. This is an opportunity for people across the country to become involved with Meat the Need, drive donations and most importantly, help fill the fridges and freezers of their local food banks. Champions will represent this charity at events and field days, look for donation giving opportunities and network with farmers.
You’ll be inducted into this charity and given the tools and support you need to be a champion. And of course, they will kit you out with branded apparel. Ultimately, they believe no one should go hungry in New Zealand and they would love you to be a part of helping them achieve that.
If this sounds like you, they would love you to apply! Go to their website meattheneed.org/becomeachampion/ Or listen to Access Radio Taranaki 104.4fm on Sunday 19th or 26th January, 2025 to learn more
If you would like to hear Danielle talk about the role, she and others around the country have with Meat The Need you can also find the recorded session of Volly Voices on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go the either Access Radio Taranaki website where these recordings can be found under Community or go to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Who can you contact: Or If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step.
Website: https://www.taranakisingersongwriters.com/
What is this ? Where do they perform?
They are a passionate community of songwriters, musicians, audience members and arts supporters.
They are all about the vibrant flow of original music throughout Taranaki.
Their mission is to develop and promote original music in Taranaki for the wellbeing of all.
Their Trust is on a mission to keep developing the original music scene in Taranaki into the future. They were formed in July 2023 and became a registered charity in January 2024.
The Trust grew out of the success of their founding event Singer Songwriters New Plymouth which began as an open-mic night in 2006 at a bar in New Plymouth. This event is still going strong nearly two decades later. It is a monthly highlight of the Taranaki entertainment calendar and a testament to the passion of local musicians, audiences, and organisers who have kept it going so long. They think it’s the longest running songwriter event in the country.
The Trust is working behind the scenes to make more performance opportunities for local singer songwriters, provide education and development and build opportunities for original music in the local arts and entertainment scene.
They are grateful to the foundation event partners New Plymouth Little Theatre, Manella Productions and Swamp Shack Studios and the many wonderful sponsors who support the Trust’s work keep to live, original Taranaki-made music flowing into world.
During 2024 they help OPEN MIC'S IN TARANAKI in the following places
Every Wednesday - Open Mic Originals at Eight Ball Pool & Darts New Plymouth
Every Thursday - Open Mic at Mike's Brewery Bistro New Plymouth
Sunday Session During Summer Time at Paris Plage New Plymouth
Revive the Live Open Mic Hawera at Hot Fridays on Sunday 4pm till late
Opunake Players Inc hosted Taranaki Singer Songwriters twice in 2024 and looking to continue in 2025
In November they performed “Mountain Roots” as part of the Spiegel Fest 2024
Also, in December they were at Centre City New Plymouth for the Christmas Special
While checking out their website I learnt that they have the following impressive statistics
Taranaki Singer Songwriters are going from strength to strength and so if this interests you there are several ways to learn more; - listen to Access Radio Taranaki on Sunday 12th, 2025 at 2pm and you will hear Andre & Ken talk about what Taranaki Singer Songwriters is all about and the support they and others offer. You can also find the recorded session of Volly Voices on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go the either Access Radio Taranaki website where these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls. Or
Who can you contact? If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy or Marie at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 758 8986 , email admin@vnp.nz or phone /text 022 571 4228 to take the next step. Currently they are on holiday – however they will happily tell you more when they return on January 20th 2025
Website: https://www.sustainabletaranaki.org.nz/
What is Sustainable Taranaki all about?? Have you heard their name before?
There are many faces to Sustainable Taranaki firstly they are a Not-for-Profit Organisation or as I like to say For Purpose – and today this column will focus on just one of those faces that of Zero Waste Events
As we come into summer there are so many more events that are on offer for us to attend. With these events comes the need to divert waste from landfill and clean up after the event and therefore this time of year is a very busy time for Sustainable Taranaki and their Zero Waste team and volunteers. There are great opportunities for you as a volunteer to attend an event and also ensure that the venue is left clear of rubbish. There are two types of roles with this – there is the educating the public with the waste stations and which bin to put the rubbish– this is a great way to educate yourself, friends and family after you have learnt the current waste and recycle requirements. Then there is the cleanup the day after the event.
The key reason for these roles is to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill. Sustainable Taranaki Zero Waste value volunteers time and skills and believe that you can play a significant role in helping Taranaki become more sustainable. Sustainable Taranaki considers every volunteer vital and would be honoured to have you join the team! The following events are looking for volunteer support:
Festival of Lights (FOL) - this started on December 21st,2024 and is on each night till January 26th, 2025 – each night there is a need for people to educate the public in where to put your rubbish.
December 29th and December 30th - Rock the Bowl – I know it is short notice – however there is a need for educators and clean up people
December 31st ,2024 - NYE Party at Butlers Reef – enjoy the local concert and help reduce waste
January 1st, 5th, 19th, 25th and 28th - Seaside Markets at either Ngamotu Beach or Pukeariki Landing. A beautiful, relaxed day out to help reduce waste
January 4th, 2025 - Drax Project & Mitch James at Butlers Reef - again enjoy the great local concert and help reduce waste
January 9th, 2025 - Summer Thieves at Butlers – join the waste warriors and help make this great event the closest possible to Zero Waste
January 11th & 12th 2025 - LAB concert at the Bowl – join the waste warriors to help make this concert the closest to Zero Waste as Possible
January 13th, 2025 - BNZ Breakers at TSB Stadium – join the team and check out this Basketball game while supporting the game to be the best Zero Waste yet
January 16th & 17th 2025 - Timeless Summer Tour at the Bowl help create a Zero Waste record to support more sustainability.
January 25th, 2025 - George FM / DnB at Butlers Reef help reduce waste while enjoying this local concert
February 5th, 2025 - Freestyle Kings at Yarrow Stadium help make this event the closest to Zero Waste possible.
February 21st, 2025 - Faded Friends, Odds On at Butlers Reef – support volunteering for this event will help Taranaki towards our sustainable goals
For all of these volunteer roles there is great support, training, food and plenty of chances to enjoy the event. Plus, it is a great way to meet new people
Sustainable Taranaki provides you with:
Are you home from Uni and looking for volunteering to put onto your CV?
Are you on school holidays and looking for something cool to do to support our environment?
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, then please email taranakiwastewarriors@gmail.com or check out their
website: https://www.sustainabletaranaki.org.nz/zero-waste-event-volunteers
What are you doing on Sunday at 2pm – do you want to listen to some Christmas music?? Then check out Volly Voices Christmas Special where Hosts Graham and Marie share some Christmas tunes.
At Volunteering New Plymouth, we are all about supporting the community. If you know a Group, Club or Organisation that could benefit from any support or advice, we are here to help and if we don’t know we are sure to have contacts that will be able to.
If you are walking through Top Town Cinema space and past Access Radio 104.4FM studio check out the ARTspace and see the tiny teddies & hearts hanging on the wall and the tiny teddies in the wicker chair together with the Hardship to Hope Pepi Pod by the wall with all the items that are gifted to young Mums and their newborns – these are a couple of sewing and knitting / crochet projects that are available for people to do in their spare time at home.- this is called volunteering.
The exhibition at Access Radio ARTspace is there to let people know the amazing work that our project volunteers are doing at home, they include: Tiny teddies, Love Letters, Tiny Hearts, Knitted / crochet singlets, booties, beanies, Bag sewing and knitted winter warmers
Also others that are special and are once every couple of weeks for two hours are gardening with Awanui Angels – this is a beautiful project that started with Gabby’s Starlit HOPE parents speaking to us about the tidiness of the cemetery and we now have Angels involved with Awanui Cemetery and supported by the Parks staff. – we so love this project – if you are interested message us to learn more.
The Pepi Pod has a Holdall, which the pillowcases from Alsco are repurposed and make into a carry all for the items included in the Pepi Pod. We have some already cut and pinned ready for sewing currently. There is also an opportunity to knit or crochet a wool blanket to be included with this.
The tiny teddies can be knitted from any wool and we have patterns to share and these, as you will see in the display, come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are so appreciated by the recipients of the Mum & Baby boxes that are gifted by Gabby’s Starlit HOPE they also go to Heart Kids as well as to ED Department of the hospital.
The tiny hearts are gifted to Heart Kids as well as Gabby’s Starlit HOPE for the Mum & Baby Box too.
Then there are the Love letters these are also gifted to Gabby’s Starlit HOPE for boxes that are gifted to children for their hospital rooms and the same for Heart Kids.
Christmas is a special time of year. For many this is the time of year to look at what we would like to do in the coming year. With that in mind and if you are looking at what you could do that is not going to need a huge commitment, why not look at volunteering.
There are many options that you could consider, and we have a database of opportunities that you could check out at. www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz
As we close for the year we would like to Thank those who have helped us throughout the year; TOI Foundation, Stuff Editor – Matt, NPDC Community and Economic Development Advisors, NPDC Community Development Committee, DIA Community & Volunteer Fund, Primo, Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, MAD Media, Starbucks, Marbles, DeliStar, The Wheelhouse, Taranaki Community Law, Lottery Grants Board.
Till next year we hope that you have a happy and safe festive season
Volunteering New Plymouth Wendy, Marie & VNP Board
Website: https://communitycomms.org.nz/
Have you heard of Community Comms Collective?
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step.
Website: https://www.heartkids.org.nz/branches/taranaki/
Did you know that there are over 250 Heart Kids members in Taranaki?
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step.
Website: https://wildfortaranaki.nz/
If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step
Website: https://3stepsforlife.stjohn.org.nz/
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about the 3 Steps for Life programme and how you can join a session being offered near you, or how you could join St John and / or how you could become a trained trainer to deliver the programme then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz.
Website: https://www.pasat.org.nz/
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about PASAT please contact Dianne Darbyshire 022 088 7503 or Email: taranaki@PASAT.org.nz or Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz.
Website: https://gbb.org.nz/baking-it-better/chapters/new-plymouth/
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about Good Bitches Baking and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this great group, please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Website: https://alzheimers.org.nz/taranaki/
September is World Alzheimers Month
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about Alzheimers Taranaki and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this great group, please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986; E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Website: https://www.starjam.org/
Who can you contact?
If you curious to learn more about STAR JAM and /or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this great group, please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986; E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Website: https://www.theheadoffice.org.nz/
Who can you contact?
If you curious to learn more about The Head Office and /or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this great programme, please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on Ph: 06 758 8986; E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Website: https://www.stjohn.org.nz/what-we-do/community-programmes/caring-caller/
Who can you contact?
If you curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Hato Hone St John please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986; E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Website: https://thf.org.nz/ways-to-be-involved/hardship-to-hope-fund/
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in helping in some way please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Website: http://www.wcnp.org.nz/
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Women’s Centre New Plymouth please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Wbsite: https://waitara.allheart.store/
Who can you contact?
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul please contact Wendy, Monday to Thursday, at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, E: admin@vnp.nz or Ph / Text: 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Awanui Angels
Volunteers for what, you ask??
We would like to give back to the community by helping keep Awanui Cemetery in tip-top condition. We are looking for some Angels who are interested in looking to help support the Council staff by doing some of the tasks that are not part of their everyday duties.
This project will be very different to the volunteer work done at Te Henui Cemetery as Awanui is a limited-lawn cemetery. We’d like volunteers for year-round weeding, trimming, deadheading, pruning, plant maintenance and if there is a group who would like to become involved, then perhaps mulching, planting & dividing, and transplanting plants.
We will have specific areas that we are working on only - currently the Angels meet once a month on a Wednesday (weather dependent) during Autumn / Winter and in Spring/ Summer twice a month also on a Wednesday. The number of hours pe