New Plymouth Celebrates Volunteerism with Awards and Events

Volunteering New Plymouth is set to enhance its community engagement efforts with several initiatives aimed at recognizing and celebrating the contributions of local volunteers. Marie Riordan, the manager of Volunteering New Plymouth, outlined these efforts in her latest column, which is part of a four-part series focused on their community offerings.

Volunteer Recognition Awards are a cornerstone of the organization’s mission. Each year, these awards celebrate the remarkable efforts of volunteers in New Plymouth. During the most recent event held in June 2025, 98 individuals were honored across various categories, including couples, individuals, long service, teams, youth, and tuku iho, which recognizes those from three generations or more.

In a new initiative, Volunteering New Plymouth introduced the Volunteer of the Month (VOM) award, sponsored by Westwill Properties and Kiwi Mosaic. This monthly recognition will highlight one deserving volunteer, who will be considered for the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award at the upcoming Volunteer Recognition Awards on December 5, 2026. This date holds significance, as it coincides with International Volunteer’s Day and marks the culmination of celebrations for the International Volunteer Year (IVY2026).

To ensure a comprehensive celebration, the organization is currently seeking funding for additional events throughout the year, leading up to the awards in December. Riordan encourages local organizations to consider nominating volunteers who significantly impact their teams.

Each year, Volunteering New Plymouth also submits nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Tower Local Heroes. Last November, nine of the 16 individuals recognized received medals, showcasing the strength of community spirit in Taranaki. Notably, the region boasts the largest number of medallists this year, with 16 of the total 100 recipients across New Zealand. The Nielsen Family is also among the ten semifinalists for the upcoming Gala Awards, which will take place in March 2026.

In addition to these recognition programs, Volunteering New Plymouth supports community events such as the Special Children’s Extravaganza, held annually in August. This event provides a day of fun and celebration for families with children who have faced challenges throughout the year. Last August, students from Sacred Heart Girls’ College and Francis Douglas Memorial College contributed their time and energy, with 24 young volunteers assisting in setting up and managing the event, which has been organized in partnership with SKY since its inception in 1998.

To foster collaboration among local non-profits, Volunteering New Plymouth hosts quarterly morning teas for volunteer managers. These gatherings, sponsored by Age Concern Taranaki, provide a platform for sharing challenges and successes in volunteer management. Similarly, quarterly meetings for board members allow leaders in the not-for-profit sector to connect and exchange valuable insights.

The final meeting of the year takes place at Starbucks, where members will celebrate International Volunteers’ Day. These gatherings not only strengthen community ties but also highlight the importance of volunteer work in enhancing the fabric of New Plymouth.

Through these initiatives, Volunteering New Plymouth continues to cultivate a culture of appreciation and recognition for the invaluable contributions of volunteers, ensuring that their efforts are celebrated and acknowledged throughout the year.