Council and Volunteering Auckland celebrate 35-year partnership
Auckland Council is proud to support Volunteering Auckland and the important work it does in Tāmaki Makaurau, as the two organisations celebrate 35 years working together.
Volunteering Auckland received a $20,000 allocation from the council in 2024 through the Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants programme for expanding community outreach and engagement, supporting leaders of volunteering and increasing inclusive volunteering opportunities.
On 9 October the partnership was celebrated at an event in Auckland attended by representatives from both the council and Volunteering Auckland.
“Auckland Council is proud to have supported Volunteering Auckland for more than three decades, helping with essential and important work for Auckland communities.
“Today, that enduring relationship continues through collaborative projects that strengthen inclusion and connection in volunteering.
“The council looks forward to continuing our close and meaningful partnership with Volunteering Auckland for years to come.”
One recent example of this important work is the Mahi Tahi, Mahi Wātea support guide, developed by Volunteering Auckland with funding support from Auckland Council. The resource enables community organisations and leaders of volunteers to meaningfully engage people with disabilities as volunteers — a practical step towards ensuring volunteering is truly for everyone.
Cheryll Martin QSO, General Manager of Volunteering Auckland thanks the council for the decades of support they have given.
“From our early days as a small volunteer centre with big dreams, to today’s programmes that promote diversity and inclusion, the council’s support has helped us build connections across Tāmaki Makaurau. The Mahi Tahi, Mahi Wātea project continues our shared commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong through volunteering.”
A partnership spanning 35 years
From its very beginnings, Volunteering Auckland has been supported by Auckland Council and its predecessor Auckland City Council and community boards in recognising the value of volunteering to the wellbeing of Tāmaki Makaurau.
There are records of the council’s support from 1990, as the fledgling volunteer centre sought a home. By 1993, formal support had begun, with letters confirming grants of $1,000 from the Hobsonville Community Board and $2,000 from Auckland City Council. This was followed by joint community initiatives, such as the 1999 Blue Sky Day — an event co-hosted by Auckland Volunteer Centre (as Volunteering Auckland was then known) and Auckland City Council to envision the future of volunteering and the community sector.
Aliimalemanu Kenneth Aiolupotea, Auckland Council’s General Manager Community Wellbeing says all volunteers make valuable contributions to Tāmaki Makaurau, many with the help of Volunteering Auckland.
“Volunteers play a key role in making vital work happen in communities around the Auckland region that otherwise might not happen.
“From tree planting and environmental work to street appeals for charities, volunteers give their time for others and for causes larger than the individual.
“Many activities like these are facilitated by Volunteering Auckland, and we thank them for that.
“Auckland Council values the efforts of volunteers and their contributions to making Auckland a great place to live, and holds our enduring partnership with Volunteering Auckland in high esteem.”
Find out more about Auckland Council grants
More information on the council’s grants programme that supports Aucklanders’ aspirations for a great city, including Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants can be found on the Auckland Council website.
Applications for the next round of 2022-2032 Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants are expected to open later in 2025.