Volunteer
Find out how you can give back to the University and wider Wellington community through volunteer work.
There are many ways to volunteer your time and skills to make a lasting contribution to your community.
Find out how you can engage with causes you care about while developing your skills and gaining recognition for your support through the University’s leadership programmes, including the Wellington Plus Programme.
Read the following guide to volunteering on campus and in the community and learn how you can get involved.
Find a role
It’s important to find the right fit when volunteering. There are three key questions to ask yourself to guide your search for a role or opportunity.
What are you interested in?
Passion and interest should be at the forefront of your mind when searching for a volunteering opportunity. You are much more likely to make a meaningful contribution to a cause you care about.
What are you good at?
Are you a computer whizz or language lover? Some volunteer organisations are in need of people with a specific skillset, so it’s important when volunteering to consider what skills you might be able to offer an organisation.
What skills would you like to develop?
Volunteering is an excellent way to develop new skills. Selecting a volunteering position which allows you to acquire new knowledge and skills may enhance your employability and open doors for you in the future.
Consider your time commitments
Work out what kind of time commitment you can make to your volunteering—some organisations offer weekly volunteering opportunities which you can fit in around your studies. There are also numerous one-off opportunities such as fundraising and clean-ups that can make a tangible difference.
Be proactive
Many university services, faculties, and organisations will advertise for volunteers to fill specific roles but some won’t. Be proactive and approach your chosen organisation or group with a clear idea of how you might be able to contribute—you never know what opportunities might arise.
Join the Wellington Plus Programme
The Wellington Plus Programme provides a formal recognition of your service to the community and your leadership skills. Use your volunteering to accrue points toward either a Certificate (6- to 12-month commitment) or Award (two- to three-year commitment), and gain skills which will impress employers. Find out more about how to get involved in the Wellington Plus Programme.
Volunteer at the University
Many University services have voluntary positions for students—you could become a Te Amaru—Disability Services volunteer, a class representative, a UNI 101 Student Ambassador, a PASS leader, and much more.
Faculty staff also advertise volunteer positions through their courses and schools. If you are interested in volunteering on-campus, look out for the calls for volunteers, or approach the person or service directly.
You can also look at NZUni Talent job board, which lists volunteer opportunities both on campus and in the community. Many volunteer roles listed are approved for the Wellington Plus Programme.
The University recognises and thanks our student volunteers for the significant contribution they make to the University and wider communities. Student Volunteer Week is a national campaign, run annually in conjunction with Volunteering New Zealand, to highlight the work of our student volunteers. Check out what’s planned for this year and get involved with Student Volunteer Week events.
Explore other platforms
Looking for volunteering opportunities in the wider community? The following platforms provide options for volunteering in the Wellington community and beyond.