If you've never volunteered before, the hardest part is starting. Not because it's difficult — but because the options can feel overwhelming. Environment, animals, community, health, education, events, disaster recovery. Where do you begin?
Start with what you care about
Don't pick something because it looks impressive. Pick something because it matters to you. If you love the outdoors, try a conservation project. If you're good with people, community support might suit. If you want something physical and social, events and street appeals are hard to beat.
Start small
You don't need to commit to every Saturday for a year. Most opportunities are flexible — one-off events, half-day sessions, or "come when you can" arrangements. Try a few different things before settling into something regular.
You don't need special skills
Most volunteer roles need nothing more than reliability and a good attitude. Organisations will train you for anything specific. That said, if you do have skills — first aid, te reo, driving, cooking, IT — there are opportunities that specifically need them.
What to expect on the day
Turn up on time. Listen to the briefing. Ask questions if anything's unclear. Do the work. Be friendly. That's genuinely it.
Most organisations will provide everything you need — tools, equipment, safety gear, food. Check the listing for details, and ask the coordinator if you're unsure.
Track your impact
Create a free account on Volunteers to track your signups, hours, and impact over time. You can also log volunteering you do outside this platform — helping at your local school, coaching a sports team, supporting a neighbour. Every hour counts, and the data helps us understand the true scale of volunteering in Aotearoa.