Nicki Turner

Volunteering Support and Engagement Advisor

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

Young volunteers spruce up cricket club

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

By |2024-10-09T10:08:36+13:00October 2nd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Young volunteers spruce up cricket club

SPCA laundry is Lesley’s happy place

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

By |2024-09-26T09:18:21+12:00September 24th, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on SPCA laundry is Lesley’s happy place

Under the Stars: Plastic table to a community lifeline

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

By |2024-09-17T21:38:34+12:00September 11th, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Under the Stars: Plastic table to a community lifeline

Volunteering makes a Tauranga migrant feel at home

It’s Welcoming Week, and Jason Rigon is a prime example of a migrant who has helped make his new home in Tauranga a more friendly place for other newcomers. Filipino Jason is President of Club Filipino Tauranga Inc. (CFTI), and settled here with his family, wife Joy and three young sons in 2017. He’s

By |2024-09-11T11:38:30+12:00September 9th, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Volunteering makes a Tauranga migrant feel at home

Volunteering Services helps with a successful breast cancer fund-raiser

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

By |2024-09-09T15:13:21+12:00August 23rd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Volunteering Services helps with a successful breast cancer fund-raiser

Top 10 Star Volunteer: Ruth Dainty

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

By |2024-09-02T14:32:47+12:00August 23rd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Top 10 Star Volunteer: Ruth Dainty

Top 10 Star Volunteer: Tina Zhang

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

By |2024-09-02T14:33:35+12:00August 23rd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Top 10 Star Volunteer: Tina Zhang

Top 10 Star Volunteer: Megan Branks

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

By |2024-09-02T14:34:44+12:00August 23rd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Top 10 Star Volunteer: Megan Branks

Top 10 Star Volunteer: Sue Wiseman

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

By |2024-09-02T14:35:23+12:00August 23rd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Top 10 Star Volunteer: Sue Wiseman

Top 10 Star Volunteer: Margaret Harper

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

By |2024-09-02T14:52:49+12:00August 23rd, 2024|Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Top 10 Star Volunteer: Margaret Harper
Go to Top