Be a volunteer

What is voluntary work?
The definition of voluntary work is...

  • work done of your own free will and...
  • work done for the common good and...
  • work done that is unpaid (except for reimbursement of expenses)

                      Aroha ki te takata a rohe

How do I become a volunteer in Canterbury?
Becoming a volunteer in Canterbury is easy! Phone (03) 366 2442 to arrange an appointment for an informal personal interview with no obligation, or view volunteer positions here. If you are under sixteen years of age you will need to have the written consent of your parent or caregiver.  Please contact us to discuss this.

Can people under sixteen years volunteer?
If you are under sixteen years of age there will be a limited number of positions available and you need to have the written consent of your parent or caregiver.
You may wish to consider joining:
      Guides/Scouts
      Boys'/Girls' Brigade
      St John Cadets
                                    or you could contact Rest Homes in your area to see if you can help there.

Share your experiences of Volunteering on Facebook Volunteering Canterbury has its own Facebook page.  If you belong to Facebook we hope you will become a Fan. 

Can visitors to  New Zealand volunteer?
Yes, but you must have a sufficient standard of English to be easily understood over the telephone.  As many jobs require a commitment of at least six months the range of jobs available to you may be limited. 

Can I be a volunteer elsewhere in New Zealand?
Yes, but you may need to contact another New Zealand Volunteer Centre to do so. Contact details for these and other volunteer related organisations can be found on our links page.  If you are looking for a position with accommodation supplied you may like to become a Willing Worker on an Organic Farm.  To find out more go to www.wwoof.co.nz There are a number of opportunities on the NZ Department of Conservation website.  Look under "Getting involved" and follow the link to "Volunteer Programme"  at www.doc.govt.nz 

Can I be a volunteer in another country?
There are opportunities available with Volunteer Service Abroad at www.vsa.org.nz 
If you'd like to volunteer in Nepal try www.spwnepal.org.np 
If you are aged between 16 and 25 years have a look at World Wide Volunteering, a site that has a database of over 250,000 volunteer projects. Be aware that the World Wide Volunteering service may not be not free.

Why should I become a volunteer?
Here are just some of the reasons why people volunteer...

  • to help the community
  • to meet new people
  • to gain experience
  • to gain new skills
  • to support a cause
  • to keep active
  • to change society
  • to gain confidence
  • to feel useful and be part of a team
  • to have fun
  • and of course, it looks great on your C.V.

What roles could I have as a volunteer?

  • Administrator
  • After school programme helper
  • Afternoon tea helper
  • Animal park guide
  • Bookkeeper
  • Buddy
  • Budget advisor
  • Carpenter
  • Cattery assistant
  • Coach
  • Committee member
  • Community first aider
  • Counsellor
  • Craft worker
  • Driver
  • Events assistant
  • Gardener
  • Golfing companion
  • Guide
  • Handyperson
  • Journalist
  • Library assistant
  • Life skills tutor
  • Minute secretary
  • Newsletter mailer
  • Receptionist
  • Reader
  • Shop assistant
  • Special Needs Companion
  • Swimming/Aquacise companion
  • Theatre helpers
  • Toy library helper
  • Treasurer
  • Trust board member
  • Tutor
  • Visitor
  • Walking companion
  • Youth leader

VOLUNTEERING CANTERBURY
Christchurch Community House
Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi
141 Hereford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Box 13-698, Christchurch 8141
Tollfree 0800 865 268
Phone: (03) 366-2442   Fax: (03) 366-0117
E-mail: vc@volcan.org.nz