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
A Session with David Kirk Chair of NZ Rugby, NFP Kiwi Harvest, and former Chair of the NZ Food Network. David, who also captained the All Blacks to victory in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, shares his insights and experiences. Watch any time by registering here: click here
Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support volunteers turned out in droves to help collect for the Emergency Services Food Drives in late November and December. Neighbourhood Support is a community-led charity building safe, supportive and connected communities throughout Aotearoa. In the Western Bay, there are 14,500 member families, with Street Groups operating in most streets
Caio Martins is just finishing his Year 12 studies but he’s already an old hand when it comes to volunteering. He’s been volunteering for One Love Charity events - like the Tauranga Diwali Festival and Holi Colour Splash - and they can’t speak highly enough of his work ethic. “Teenager Caio has shown exceptional
Karen Knight explains the benefits of a “volunteer buffet” and how it can transform your volunteer recruitment and engagement. Online Fri 18 April, 5am-6am NZT (note change of time! It's an early one!) For tickets and information, click here
This 90-minute introductory workshop provides a clear, practical overview of AI, cutting through the hype to focus on what matters for business leaders. Tues 6 May, 10am - 11:30am The Kollective, 145 17th Avenue, Tauranga Cost: $25 community orgs ($50 other orgs) For tickets and information, click here
In this interactive session, you'll hear more about the Best Practice Guidelines Practice Area 6 - Celebrate volunteer impact. There will be opportunities to engage with others in the room, learn from each other and share ideas. Tue, 13 May 2025 10am - 11am Online Event For tickets and information, click here
In this interactive session, you'll hear more about the Best Practice Guidelines Practice Area 7 - Exit volunteers. There will be opportunities to engage with others in the room, learn from each other and share ideas. Tue, 10 June 2025 10am - 11am Online Event For tickets and information, click here
Frederick Wihongi got into teaching others to cook because he wanted to improve his own health. Now he’s won recognition from SociaLink’s Volunteering Services for his contribution for International Volunteer Day on December 5. He’s down at St John’s Church in Ōtumoetai on a Friday helping a group of seniors keen to learn new
