State of Volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand 2020

Volunteering New Zealand’s State of Volunteering Report 2020 presents a snapshot of the state of volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand at a critical point in the nation’s history—just prior to the Level 4 lockdown being imposed as the Covid-19 pandemic hit our shores. The report is supported by quantitative data from official sources, as well as responses received from the State of Volunteering online survey.

In this research, Volunteering New Zealand identifies current trends, issues and challenges. We will use the findings to support the community and voluntary sector in removing barriers, addressing issues, and leveraging opportunities to maximise the potential of the volunteer workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This research includes both the voices and opinions of both volunteers and volunteer involving organisations. Volunteering New Zealand hopes that this report can further assist the sector in promoting inclusive, impactful and meaningful volunteering which fosters community connections.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, representing all ages, demographics and cultures, volunteering for many different reasons. Volunteering builds strong, sustainable and connected communities. It builds social capital; it is the glue that binds our communities, our culture, and our identity. Whatever we call it, be it unpaid work within our communities, volunteering, mahi aroha, or social action, it is a taonga we must all treasure, nurture, and recognise as integral to Aotearoa New Zealand as a nation.

However, volunteering is often taken for granted. It is not appropriately recognised or celebrated, and more importantly, it has not been accurately measured on a national level. There is a significant opportunity for the sector to better record and report on the volunteer contribution. This, in turn necessitates collecting robust and accurate data on volunteering. Data is critical to guide organisations in attracting, supporting, recognising, and rewarding volunteers. Equally important, data is also required to inform policy making and the Government’s support for the community and voluntary sector.

To download the report, head to the VNZ website here: https://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz/state-of-volunteering/