Kaitūao o te Taitonga | Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteer involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand.
There are four centres for Volunteer South: Ōtepoti Dunedin, Central Lakes, Waitaki and Waihōpai Invercargill. Our centre in Waihōpai is in proud partnership with Invercargill Citizens Advice Bureau.
Kaitūao o te Taitonga | Volunteer South was formerly Volunteering Otago and Volunteering Central, both of which worked under the same board of trustees and continue to do so as Volunteer South. The change to Volunteer South occured on the 22nd of June, 2020.
The Dunedin Volunteer Resource Centre started 1986 with the aim of providing a centralised volunteering support system for the wider Dunedin area and was the first volunteer centre in the country. The name was changed to Volunteering Otago in 1993 after it was recognised that there was wider support needed for the whole of Otago. In 2011 Volunteering Central was established as an initiative of Central Lakes Trust focusing on Alexandra, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka. In 2020 we established a volunteer centre in Waitaki and developed an exciting partnership with Invercargill Citizens Advice Bureau to establish a hub in Invercargill. Our re brand in June 2020 reflects these new partnerships, our growth and our wider reach across the lower South Island.
With a strong focus on relationships, we work hard to get to know our member organisations and their needs, and network with community based organisations to ensure we are aware of the bigger picture and avoid duplication of services.
Nationally we are a member of Volunteering New Zealand and the Volunteer Centre Network Aotearoa. Like volunteering - we are stronger when working together.
Kaitūao o te Taitonga | Volunteer South seeks to celebrate, support, highlight and motivate volunteering in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand. We increase the capacity of community organisations that rely on tūao volunteers by connecting them with people who are willing to offer their skills and energy. We provide training, advice, advocacy, resources and recognition for individuals and volunteer involving organisations and community groups.
Supportive interdependent communities where volunteering is recognised and respected, is life-enhancing for the individual, and advances the common good.
Whakamana | Empowerment
We empower people to achieve rewarding and beneficial volunteering experiences for them and the community. We empower organisations to provide rewarding and beneficial volunteering experiences for people in the community.
Whakawhāiti | Inclusion
We recognise the diversity of volunteers and volunteer involving organisations and are open to everyone.
Matatika | Ethics
We act ethically, openly and transparently in all that we do.
Common Good
We work for the common good of our community.
Dunedin