A week aware of volunteers
No Minister No Portfolio
During Volunteer Awareness Week, the Labour-led Government acknowledges the vital contribution made by more than a million volunteers toward the common good and well-being of New Zealanders.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, working in every facet - from meals on wheels and home services, to sports clubs and community safety such as neighbourhood support, volunteer fire fighters and surf lifeguards, to the running of marae. Volunteering is a key part of the way that Kiwis live life, and volunteers contribute to our sense of wellbeing and national identity.
Volunteering has a profound effect on New Zealand and it is important to acknowledge the enormous economic and social contribution that the voluntary sector makes - social capital is the glue that binds our communities together.
The Government is serious about supporting the voluntary sector and adopted a formal policy on volunteering in 2002. Our vision is for a society that has a high level of volunteering, where the many contributions people make to the common good through volunteering and fulfilment of cultural obligations are actively supported and valued.
Last year, I launched Keeping It Legal, a new resource to help community and voluntary organisations manage their legal risks and responsibilities. Our Labour-led Government is committed to working with community to achieve shared goals in order to strengthen communities. This resource is an example of such a partnership.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon Trevor Mallard, also recognises volunteers as 'the unsung heroes and life-blood of sport in New Zealand" and last year announced funding of $6.5 million over the next four years for training resources and a campaign to recruit and retain the volunteer coaches, administrators and committee members who keep New Zealand sport running at every level.
Volunteering is a gift that our society relies on, but one we all can give. If you’re ready to put your hand up, contact your local Volunteer Centre on 0800 865 268 or visit www.volunteernow.org.nz.
By Luamanuvau Winnie Laban, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
12 March 2006