Events
Tautoko Support Network
“Tautoko” relates to support and advocacy. Our unique Tautoko Network enables more accessible information sharing and collaboration across the local community sector. Our programme includes events within Christchurch City as well as the Hurunui, Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts.
REGIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
For a range of training opportunities throughout New Zealand, visit the Training and Development page at Volunteering New Zealand. These include a mix of face-to-face and remote training sessions to support volunteering and the community sector right across the country.
2026
February
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - February
Date: 12 Feb 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Don, Neighbourhood Trust
Venue: 64 McFaddens Road, St Albans, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
Newcomers Volunteer Expo 2026
Date: 14 Feb 2026 - 11:00am to 1:00pmFacilitator: Volunteering Canterbury, in conjunction with Christchurch City Council, Welcoming Communities, and Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre
Venue: Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre, Hagley Avenue
Cost: Free event
Find your place. Grow your skills. Join the community. Come along to the Newcomers Volunteer Expo to explore volunteer opportunities that connect you with others and help you feel at home. Make friends, build your skills, and find your place through volunteering.
Tautoko Workshop: Storytelling
Date: 19 Feb 2026 - 1:00pm to 2:00pmFacilitator: Sharon Moreham
Venue: St Albans Community Centre, Colombo Street (on-site parking accessed via Caledonian Road)
Cost: Free event
RSVP Via email
March
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - March
Date: 12 Mar 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Bianca, Air Force Museum
Venue:45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
Tautoko Workshop: How to Tell Your Story
Date: 20 Mar 2026 - 9:30am to 12:30pmFacilitator Sharon Moreham
Venue: St Albans Community Centre, Colombo Street (on-site parking accessed via Caledonian Road)
Cost: Free event
RSVP: Via email
Tautoko Workshop: Innovative Recruitment and Onboarding
Date: 25 Mar 2026 - 1:00pm to 2:00pmFacilitator: Heather Ewing, Bishop Associates
Venue: Venue: St Albans Community Centre, Colombo Street (on-site parking accessed via Caledonian Road)
Cost: Free event
In this session, we’ll explore why best-practice volunteer recruitment and onboarding matters – and how getting it right from the very beginning helps volunteers feel energised, engaged and set up for success throughout their journey with you.
The workshop is presented by Heather Ewing, Recruitment Consultant at Bishop Associates. Heather brings more than 15 years’ experience recruiting volunteers and paid staff across not-for-profits, charities and the health sector. Bishop Associates is a specialist recruitment and HR consultancy that partners with organisations to find people who genuinely align with their purpose. We’re especially proud of our long-standing work with charities and not-for-profits, supporting teams that make a meaningful impact in their communities.
RSVP: Via email
April
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - April
Date: 16 Apr 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Rosie, Canterbury Charity Hospital
Venue: 349 Harewood Road, Bishopdale, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
Tautoko Workshop: Privacy
Date: 22 Apr 2026 - 1:00pm to 2:00pmFacilitator: Community Law Canterbury
Venue: St Albans Community Centre, Colombo Street (on-site parking accessed via Caledonian Road)
Cost: Free event
This session provides an introductory overview of privacy obligations under the Privacy Act. We will cover the basics of collecting and storing personal information, information sharing and consent, record-keeping expectations, and responding to privacy breaches. The aim is to build foundational understanding, so participants feel confident starting informed conversations about privacy within their organisations.
RSVP: Via email
May
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - May
Date: 14 May 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Leanne, Whareora House of Life
Venue: 8 Athelstan Street, Spreydon, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
Tautoko Workshop: Health & Safety
Date: 20 May 2026 - 1:00pm to 2:00pmFacilitator: Community Law Canterbury
Venue: St Albans Community Centre, Colombo Street (on-site parking accessed via Caledonian Road)
Cost: Free event
This session introduces the core health and safety responsibilities of organisations engaging volunteers under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Topics include duty of care, hazard and risk management, reporting processes, liability considerations, and supporting volunteer wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people they work alongside. The focus is on providing clear, practical direction so participants can begin integrating health and safety requirements.
RSVP: Via email
June
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - June
Date: 11 Jun 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Ian, Ferrymead Heritage Park
Venue: 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
October
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - October
Date: 8 Oct 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Jeremy, Delta Community Support Trust
Venue: 105 North Avon Road, Richmond, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.