Auckland, 13 Oct 2025
New Zealand has named the first winners of the NZ Volunteering Awards. The awards honour people and programmes that strengthen communities.
Top honours
Volunteer Programme of the Year
Orange Sky won for its mobile laundry and shower service. The team also offers friendly conversation that restores dignity.
Runner up: Bellyful NZ, which cooks and delivers free meals to families with babies and young children.
Emerging Leader in Volunteer Engagement
Two joint winners were recognized.
- Nicky Shave, Te Hononga a Iwi – Restoring Rosedale Park in Auckland. Nicky leads an inclusive restoration project with schools, youth groups, and seniors.
- Gary Mitchell, Predator Free Grenada Village in Wellington. Gary mobilizes hundreds of locals for trapping, planting, stream care, and clean-ups.
Why it matters
Volunteering connects neighbors. It reduces stress on families. It also improves health and wellbeing. As a result, communities feel safer and more welcoming.
About the winners’ impact
- Orange Sky provides thousands of laundry loads and hot showers. In addition, every visit creates time for support and kōrero.
- Bellyful NZ prepares ready-to-heat meals. Consequently, new parents can focus on their children.
- Te Hononga a Iwi – Rosedale Park runs planting and track care with people of all ages. Moreover, the project builds long-term kaitiakitanga.
- Predator Free Grenada Village restores biodiversity through regular trapping and planting. The group also improves local amenities with clean-ups.
Get involved
First, choose a cause you care about. Then offer two to three hours a week. Finally, invite your whānau to join. Volunteering grows skills, networks, and confidence.
Reference
Primary source: “Winners of the NZ Volunteering Awards 2025” published by Volunteering New Zealand. Article written by Webfit News using information from the official page. Volunteering New Zealand
