Source: Whangarei District Council
Updated: 23/06/2020 3:59 p.m.
Te Hua o te Mahi Tahi
The benefit of working together
This Sunday 21 June, New Zealand will celebrate the start of National Volunteer Week. This is a special time of year, where we honour the collective energies and mana of all volunteers in Aotearoa. Volunteers grow our people, open minds, open hearts and create joy.
Volunteer Opportunities
Any day during the week:
Wednesday 24 June:
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9.30am-12pm, Devonshire/Weeding Tamaterau Reserve, Whangarei Heads – Weeding with Weed Action
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8.30am-2pm, Whangarei Quarry Gardens – Garden maintenance with The Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Thursday 25 June:
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9am-4pm, Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary, Onerahi- Propagate native plants, weeding & planting with Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary
Friday 26 June:
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In the morning, Puke Kopipi Restoration, Ngunguru, collect and distribute plants in areas for planting next day
Saturday 27 June:
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10am-12pm, Matariki Community Planting (Whangarei District Council), Parihaka Mountain, meet at car park on Abbey Caves Road (second and third planting day on 11 and 25 July)
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2pm-5pm, Kopipi Crescent, Ngunguru- Planting with Puke Kopipi Restoration group (Second planting day on 4 July).
Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai has a strong respect for our local volunteers, who she sees as an essential ingredient for a healthy, happy society.
‘I have been lucky enough to meet with many community volunteer groups and individuals during my time as Whangārei Mayor,’ said Mayor Mai. ‘The value that these people bring to our District cannot be overstated.’
‘The time, energy and effort that is donated by so many in our District is humbling. From caring for the elderly and those in need, to helping newcomers adjust to New Zealand language and culture and protecting and preserving our native flora and fauna – I am constantly amazed by what our volunteer community achieves.’
In particular, the Mayor acknowledged volunteers’ essential contribution to communities during COVID-19.
‘During COVID-19 our community’s volunteers rallied to keep our vulnerable residents connected, to help them get well, stay well, and to answer the call to unite and be kind.’
Volunteers have revealed through connecting, we belong. And through generosity and ngākau nui, big heartedness, communities will be strong, be well, and be able to meet challenges and changes, both big and small.
National Volunteer Week 2020 runs from 21-27 June. This year’s theme is ‘Te Hua o te Mahi Tahi, the benefit of working together’. Join us this National Volunteer Week to celebrate how our communities are stronger when working together.
