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
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
A group of young people are making the most of the holidays, sprucing up Te Puke’s cricket club with a colourful mural. Kalib Wallace, from 247 Health and Fitness, mentors rangatahi in the Te Puke area at his gym and is bringing them together to paint murals. He’s completed several large murals around the
Community Insights, a division of SociaLink, helps the Western Bay of Plenty social and community sector build confidence, skills and trust in using insightful data to inform and enhance the work we all do. If you are a registered charity, when submitting your annual return to Charities Services you will be asked to report
For most of us, laundry is a tiresome chore, but for SPCA volunteer Lesley Marshall it’s her happy place. It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and she’s proof that volunteering is good for your mental health, no matter the job. For 21 years, Lesley has turned up at the Tauranga SPCA three days a week
In the heart of Tauranga's city centre, something remarkable happens every week. Under the Stars began in late 2014 with a plastic table set up outside the Tauranga City Library serving meals for the homeless. Liz Kite, inspired by a need she saw in the community, decided to take action. In the beginning, only
