The vital contribution of volunteers helping to care for the region’s vast network of parks, coastlines, sanctuaries, waterways, forests, islands, rural libraries, events, visitor attractions and their fellow Aucklanders is in the spotlight for National Volunteer Week (14-20 June).
Hundreds of thousands of voluntary hours are gifted each year to support Auckland Council programmes, services and projects across the region, from conservation to social initiatives, emergency response and climate resilience building.
This contribution builds connection and belonging, supports wellbeing while helping nature and communities continue to thrive. It also builds on the council’s existing funding and investment to expand programmes and amplify the outcomes.
Aucklanders top the charts in Aotearoa with nearly one in two people (47 per cent) freely giving their time, according to Volunteering New Zealand’s State of the Decade of Volunteering 2025 report.
National Volunteer Week celebrates this collective spirit and acknowledges the individuals whose dedication makes a lasting impact across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Chair of the Community Committee, Councillor Julie Fairey, says this week is an important opportunity to recognise the scale and value of volunteer contributions.
“It’s great to see communities come together for a shared cause. When people give their time to care for our environment, our community assets and each other, the benefits are clear, our natural spaces flourish and so do our communities. Let’s celebrate our volunteers and inspire even more Aucklanders to get involved.”
Community Director Rachel Kelleher says volunteers play a critical role in delivering activities that are important to local communities and expanding the reach of what council can do.
“We’re lucky to have so many people willing to step up and help care for the environment and others. The value that volunteers bring to environmental and local park projects alone is estimated at more than $11 million a year, over 400,000 hours that are gifted.
“To all our volunteers, thank you. And to anyone thinking about getting involved, give it a go, you won’t regret it.”
Auckland’s natural environment is an extraordinary taonga including 29 sweeping regional parks, treasured local spaces and our unique Hauraki Gulf islands. Looking after this whenua is a significant undertaking for Auckland Council, and it is the many volunteers who give their time and energy to protect and enhance Tāmaki Makaurau who help make it possible.
On the west coast, the Muriwai Environmental Trust (MET) showcases the power of collective action. MET Chairman Richard Wright says the trust works alongside more than 100 regular volunteers across 14,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, from kauri forest and dunes to coastal cliffs and rocky shores.
“Our volunteers take on everything from pest control and planting to penguin monitoring, bird counts and cyclone recovery work. There’s something for everyone, and the work is deeply rewarding.”
Beyond restoring habitats and increasing birdlife, Mr Wright says volunteers gain a strong sense of connection and shared purpose.
“For many of us, it’s about kaitiakitanga / guardianship, caring for the place we call home. And it’s not just about volunteering – it’s about contributing to something bigger than ourselves.”
This same sense of purpose is reflected at Mutukāroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park in South Auckland, a site of deep significance to mana whenua. Volunteer leader Kit Howden has inspired a dedicated group, who has been caring for the landscape for close to 30 years.
“Together, we protect and maintain this special place, so its history and natural beauty are preserved for future generations,” says Mr Howden.
“Volunteering here connects us, not just to each other, but to the stories of the land.”
Auckland Council encourages all Aucklanders to consider getting involved this National Volunteer Week. Whether it’s an hour to spare or a longer-term commitment, there are opportunities for everyone to make a meaningful impact.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit Conservation Auckland.