Nicki was born and bred in Tauranga but has been away for 30 years, working in Pukekohe in the disabled and social service sector. She worked for Blind Low Vision in Needs Assessment for the midcentral area, and for IHC.
She and her husband took off for Australia for five years, working short term and travelling around the country. Her husband, a farmer, decided to semi-retire from farming and Nicki returned to the same job with Blind Low Vision when they returned to Tauranga in November 2023.
“I’ve always been involved in the volunteer space. It’s just what we do, we’re a family of volunteers. I’m looking forward to connecting with the local community and rebuilding networks having been away so long.”
She lives at Pyes Pā, but her favourite thing to do is walk their springer spaniel on the beach at the Mount.
Reach out to Nicki on nicki@socialink.org.nz or 021 225 2994
Volunteering New Zealand invites volunteering leaders and coordinators to join us at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 20 September. The hui will focus on volunteer management and practice, valuing volunteering and approaches to volunteer engagement. With plenty of networking opportunities, collaboration and great speakers and content, you will engage and collaborate with peers, be inspired
On Wednesday, August 21st, local volunteer managers met at Good Neighbour Care Junction for morning tea and networking. Michael Waru from Good Neighbour shared about the work of Good Neighbour and the many volunteers who make the good stuff happen. The group discussed ideas on how to recruit and onboard volunteers, sparking useful conversations and fresh
Just like people, community groups come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big, some are small. Some have large and diverse memberships, others have a narrow focus and a small, restricted membership. There are sporting groups and arts groups and lobby groups and disability groups and multicultural groups and women’s groups and animal
The Breast Cancer Support Trust Papamoa Hills Night Walk, held in July 2024, was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the dedication and support of volunteers who signed up through Volunteering Services, and the promotion they did to attract volunteers. The event drew approximately 400 participants, who walked in support of a
Introducing Te Puna Quarry Park's Ruth Dainty, one of the top 10 Star Volunteers! "Ruth has volunteered at our Beautiful Te Puna Quarry Park for years. She works tirelessly in the gardens and organises the huge plant sales we have twice a year fundraising . She’s always positive, happy and encouraging even when she’s
Introducing Tina Zhang, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers for WBOP! Tina is the President of the NZ China Friendship Society Tauranga, she runs the cultural centre at the Historic Village, organises cultural events such as the Tauranga Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival and advocates for the Chinese community and building bridges across
Congratulations Megan Branks from Kura Kai Katikati! Megan is one of the top 10 Star Volunteer winners! We popped in to see Megan in Katikati today and give her a voucher and tote bag from Tauranga Crossing. Here's why Marie from Kura Kai NZ nominated Megan "Megan is our one of our key Kura
Introducing Tauranga Community Foodbank's Sue Wiseman, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! Sue has been volunteering with Tauranga Community Foodbank since 2005, nearly 20 years! She comes in every week and will often cover shifts if she is able. "She is very reliable, very lovely, and extremely dedicated to the foodbank. She expresses
Introducing Margaret Harper, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! If you have heard the beautiful sound of the harp while visiting Tauranga Hospital you have encountered Margaret and her gifted playing. "Margaret provides music therapy to 'soothe the soul' of patients, whānau and staff at Tauranga Hospital. Margaret's accomplished harp playing provides resonating
Meet Lindi Jones, a volunteer with Tauranga Riding for the Disabled for nearly 50 years! Lindi is one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers, she's a real treasure! Here's what Tauranga RDA Equestrian Therapy Centre have to say, "Lindi Jones is one of our longest-serving volunteers. She has been volunteering with us since 1975,
