Group volunteering gives teams the chance to step away from their usual routines and make a practical contribution to their local hapori. Whether it’s helping with environmental projects, pitching in at community events or sharing skills, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
SociaLink’s annual volunteering day was a timely reminder of just that! This year, eight of our kaimahi headed to Ngāpeke Permaculture, based on Ngāti Pūkenga whenua in Welcome Bay, Tauranga.
There was plenty to get stuck into, with the group digging, shifting and spreading mulch before turning their attention to the fennel. Cutting it back before it could go to seed was a satisfying part of the day, helping prevent it from spreading further and giving native plants more room to grow. The experience showed how a little time and shared effort can help local projects move forward.
Of course, volunteering is about more than the tasks you tick off the list. After a productive morning, we came together for a beautiful shared lunch, followed by a ukulele and waiata session. Our hosts, Whaea Rina Walker and kaimahi Debs, also shared fascinating kōrero about the history of Tauranga, giving us a deeper appreciation of the place and people around us.
A big mihi to Whaea Rina, Debs and the team at Ngāpeke Permaculture for welcoming us onto the whenua, sharing their knowledge and making the day so memorable.
Could your team volunteer together?
Across Tauranga and the Western Bay, local organisations are doing valuable work to support our communities. Group volunteering gives teams an opportunity to get alongside them and lend a hand where it’s needed. It’s also a chance to step outside the usual workday, build stronger relationships with colleagues and connect with local organisations doing valuable work in our hapori.
Looking for somewhere to start? Ngāpeke Permaculture offers volunteering opportunities for individuals and groups, with plenty of ways to get involved in practical activities that support the whenua and wider community. Find out more on Ngāpeke Permaculture’s website.
Volunteering Services, a division of SociaLink, helps connect workplaces, businesses and community organisations with group volunteering opportunities across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.
Whether you’re looking to bring your colleagues together, give back to your local community or try something a little different for your next team day, we’d love to help you find an opportunity that fits.
Planning a team volunteering day? Visit the Volunteering Services website for Group Volunteering to discover how you can make it happen!
