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!
Alfred fills the role of Waitemata Table Tennis Club coach, coaches the clubs junior and para teams, and runs the casual night sessions and college competitions which are held at the club’s recently completed new stadium. And to top it all off, he also manages the club’s membership system, too.
Stephen West volunteers as the Chairman of Otahuhu United AFC – which he proudly describes as “the smallest football club in Auckland” – who can be found doing any and everything he can to get kids up and active.
Linda Vagana, International Netball Coach and former representative player from New Zealand gives back to Auckland’s tamariki and rangatahi as a volunteer coach for the North Shore Pasifika Netball team.
Linda’s efforts help create opportunities for North Shore's Pasifika girls to get together, enjoy Netball and see role models.
John Tuki gives back to the community, volunteering with Disability Sport Auckland as a para table tennis coach and event organiser.
"It's rewarding to see people playing that thought they could never do this... it's fulfilled me so much." Volunteers like John make community sport a reality for Auckland’s tamariki and rangatahi.
"It was really about keeping the club running for the kids especially those that may find the cost a barrier. Going to shows and going to private events is really expensive, and even just owning a horse is quite expensive. We do a lot of fundraising to cover that; we're making horse riding more affordable for kids, to still enjoy riding without that huge expense."
“While playing tennis is the main motivation for being part of the club, you get far more satisfaction out of being a member if you’re doing something around the place to help out.”
PIPI Surf Mate & DK Surfing and their programme PIPI Pathways gives back to Whānau, Hapu, and Iwi.
“I am so grateful for my experience for this Kaupapa and [want] to provide that experience for other whānau going forward.”
“Highly recommend volunteering... it’s not just about helping other people... but it helps you in your sport... seeing the girls skate motivates me.”
For Donna Kahaki, it’s the looks on the faces of the kids who play for Glenfield Rugby Club that make volunteering all worth it.
"I've worked at One New Zealand for 24 years. They provide volunteer days which I’ve used for club events. We've got a really good culture here too. I've got all the tools I need to work remotely, so I can go into the club and work there if I've got to open up for someone to repair something. I can do what I need to do."
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers like Boston Aiturau, Kī o Rahi is increasing in popularity, and bringing people from across Auckland together to learn the game.
“Helping other people, that was a real driving factor for me to volunteer,” says Boston. “I love teaching the game, and playing the game as well."
Behind every club are the volunteers who make things happen – people like the man widely known as ‘Uncle Jack', who’s willing to do whatever is required for Puni to take to the field and compete.
“I’m just ready to help the club out, and do whatever needs to be done to help keep the club moving forward.”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in sport in Auckland?
The range of opportunities, really. There's so much going on in Auckland that you can find something that fits every interest. I'm in a fortunate position where I'm not currently in paid employment, so I've really been able to ramp up the time that I can devote to volunteering.
But even if you only did something once a year, there's so many things in Auckland that you can be involved in. You can keep it local; you don't have to go far to find clubs that need help.