Kia ora, welcome to Volunteering Northland
Answers to regularly asked questions about volunteering.
Volunteering Northland is a non-profit organisation that connects and strengthens the community and voluntary sector through volunteer engagement, professional development, networking opportunities, support and mentoring services. We act as a recruitment and referral service for volunteers and non-profit organisations and provide advice and training for the community.
Our volunteer referral service is free for anyone who would like to to be referred as a volunteer.
Volunteer roles depend on the kind of role you would fill in the organisation. That could be anything from laboring to fundraising, administration, working with youth or the elderly. Our database is always being updated with new volunteer roles.
How long you work will depend on the volunteer position(s) you choose. Some roles may require two hours per week and others may require more. One of the benefits of volunteering is that it can fit into your lifestyle.
On our website you can search for opportunities at organisations that are registered with Volunteering Northland or you could visit our office and we will help you find an opportunity that fits. We will exchange your contact details with the details of the volunteer coordinator at the organisation of your interest. The volunteer coordinator will then contact you. You might want to check out different opportunities.
Generally no. However, it may be a good idea to take your CV or similar documents when you go through the recruitment process with the organisation. Some organisations may request a cv depending on the role you are applying for.
Occasionally a volunteer job does become a paid job. What volunteering does is give you the opportunity to learn new skills and gain up to date experience that may help you get into paid work. You will also be meeting people and making contacts. This can lead to further employment opportunities.
Yes, you can if the roles you were referred to weren't what you wanted or if you did not gain a position.
If this happens, you can leave the job after consultation with the volunteer coordinator of the organisation. It would be only fair to give a few days' notice of your intention to leave.
As a volunteer you are free to leave whenever you like. If things don't work out or your circumstances change, it's good to talk it through with the person in charge and give them some notice if possible.
We would like you to tell us if you accept any of the roles we have referred you to. This avoids other people being sent to roles that are no longer available. We would also like to know if you decide not to take any roles, either because you have changed your mind or found paid work. .
Many organisations provide volunteer agreements. These set out your obligations as a volunteer and also the organisation's obligations to you.
Your obligations as a volunteer will include things such as turning up for work on time, doing the role to the best of your ability and getting on well with the people you are working with. You will be told what an organisation expects from you before you accept the role. Sometimes a police check will be necessary, sometimes the organisation will ask you to do an interview or sign a role contract or a volunteer agreement.
The organisation's obligations will be such things as giving you worthwhile and challenging work, providing a safe work environment, recognising you as a valued team member and giving you training and support. Many organisations reimburse their volunteers for out of pocket expenses. They also may provide a reference for you after you have been in the role for a certain period of time.
Yes. The policies of Work and Income are clear that you can volunteer. It is encouraged. You can find all the latest information about volunteering and benefits, on their website, www.workandincome.govt.nz. Search for ‘volunteering’.
Yes, there are opportunities for everybody. Please get in touch with us and we can give you guidance on which roles are suitable or will enquire on your behalf.
