Aktive, CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere are thrilled to be working with One New Zealand to celebrate awesome volunteers who make sport and recreation in Tāmaki Makaurau possible and to ensure volunteers are recognised right across Auckland.
Volunteers generously give their time, knowledge, and skills to community sport and recreation, making for a happier, healthier Tāmaki Makaurau.
If you’re interested in volunteering, have a chat with your local sports club or recreation group – we’re sure your support will be hugely appreciated!
Aktive, CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere are thrilled to be working with One New Zealand to celebrate awesome volunteers who make sport and recreation in Tāmaki Makaurau possible and to ensure volunteers are recognised right across Auckland.
"What I love about volunteering is that it means things can go on, it's being a part of the community and ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy netball as I've enjoyed netball for the past too many years"
Volunteers like Denise make community sport a reality for Auckland’s tamariki and rangatahi.
“The main part of my role engaging with the youth here is just keeping everyone inclusive. Bringing the communities together and just building a safe environment for our rangatahi, and making sure that it's fun for all of our families who come through.”
Volunteers like Lynda make community sport a reality for Auckland’s tamariki and rangatahi.
Tina – who has been volunteering at Manurewa for seven years – is inspired to help her club continue to grow on and off the field.
Amanda and Carla have been volunteering at Manurewa Rugby Club for 12 and 17 years respectively, signing up when their children joined the club.
What I love about volunteering is spending time with my daughter whose involved and just seeing the parents and the kids' faces.
At the end of the day, you wanna be part of something challenging yourself. It's not everyone's cup of tea but you definitely learn a lot, I've learned a lot. If I can do it, you can do it.
I think when you come in with a strength-based kind of humanising approach, you really can see the best in people, you can get the best from people, and it really does sort of fill your cup up.
Then there's the relationship building, and wearing a different hat for a change from the nine to five.
But since being introduced to the world of boccia – a precision ball sport related to bowls – a couple of years ago through her job at Disability Sport Auckland (DSA), she’s not looked back.
It can bring you to tears at times, but the joy that it can bring you - there's nothing like it… The biggest thanks I can get is to watch the kids achieve. That's my ultimate volunteering goal.”
"There's a shortage of people out there who are willing to volunteer. So anyone out there, you don't have to be a parent, just pick up the whistle and get down to your local club."
For Alysha "the benefits of volunteering is feeling a sense of community, having a place to belong, finding new friends, and learning new skills."
That’s certainly the case for Ethan Brierly, a stalwart of the Onehunga Mangere United AFC (OM) club who’s been involved since he was old enough to kick a football.
“All the people and the other volunteers I got to meet - some of them are my best friends now. Participants learn how to sail the ship, which requires a lot of team work and getting to know each other to start with. They also learn a lot about themselves, setting goals and what they're capable of."
“One piece of advice that I would give to people wanting to volunteer in Auckland is to A. choose something that you enjoy because that will keep you going back to it.
And B. just to do it, give it one chance, and do it. You might just find you enjoy it, and you want to go back. It can be fun for the volunteers just as much as it can be for the players, so get out there and do it.”
“I think volunteering gives you an opportunity to perhaps participate in something that you wouldn't do yourself, but you can participate in it by volunteering in a support role.
Be prepared to give up your time but be prepared to enjoy what you do and enjoy the people around you.”
For Eseta, it’s all about helping others enjoy the sport she loves. “The smiles and the enjoyment are what keeps me coming back,” says Eseta. “You can’t beat that.”
"I love volleyball! It’s a huge part of my life. It got me through a lot of hard times as a teenager; it was a lifeboat for me during those tough times, and I wanted to be able to give that support to other people. I love coaching, and teaching players about the game. I love the ‘ahhh’ moments, where something clicks and a player understands what you’re teaching them. Those are the best moments."
Matt Ngametua has dedicated almost half of his life to helping others – but he still gets a thrill every time he supports people with an impairment or disability to achieve their life goals.
As a volunteer support coach alongside FAM™ (Functional Adaptive Movement™ Ltd), Matt is able to combine his love of being active and helping people with impairments or disabilities.