VOLUNTEER WEEK ADVERTISING FEATURE
National Volunteer Week is in full swing across New Zealand right now, setting the scene with the theme Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao.
Three high schools across the Thames Valley and Hauraki areas offer a glimpse into the ways students are making a difference in their communities.
Students from Hauraki Plains College, Waihī College and Thames High School share stories of their volunteering efforts and encourage their peers to take on the mantle.
Hauraki Plains College students aim to support Volunteer Week by helping clear the bush walk at Kaihere School.
Year 13 students Selwin De Haast, Rebecca Higgins and Jasmine Davies told The Profile as part of the school’s Student Volunteer Army it was a great way to “give back to our community”. It’s not their first rodeo either, as each student also offered support for their communities in a variety of ways. Selwin said he had volunteered every school holidays at the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp as a cabin leader since he was a year 11 student. One of the most rewarding parts for Selwin was “building relationships” with some of the more challenging campers, he said, as “it’s nice to see them improve”.
“It’s made me a lot more interested in social work and helping in the community and trying to improve people’s lives.” Selwin was set to do a full internship at the camp in 2027, which he said would give him more time to do things behind the scenes and work with school groups.
Fellow volunteer Rebecca said her motivation was “giving back to others” and to know it would always come back around to help her.
She umpired adult, senior and junior hockey games for three nights a week at the Thames Valley hockey turf.
“I have really enjoyed coaching my year 5 and 6 hockey team, The Orcas, because I got to see them learn new skills and really enjoy themselves out on the field.” She was inspired to take on the volunteer spot because there was a shortage of umpires, she said, and “if we don’t have umpires it means we can’t play”.
Meanwhile, fellow volunteer Jasmine said she was able to develop her time management and social skills in volunteer spaces such as babysitting, hockey umpiring, school events, dog walking and local building clean ups.
Her favourite experience was when she led the archery activity at a year 9 camp.
“[It] was fun teaching a skill that a majority had not done before and making friends with the other leaders.” All her experiences “made me grateful” for all the people who showed up as volunteers because she understood how much time and effort it took to do just a small event. “I like helping out. I feel the community has given me so many opportunities that it’s a nice way to give back.”
It’s a hop, skip and a jump to Waihī College where year 13 student Isla Menary rolls up her sleeves to help out. The seasoned volunteer said she first started her journey in year 11 when she worked on her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and volunteered at Athenree Life rest home.
“I would chat to the old people, help to run activities like visual bingo in the dementia ward, and during meal times, I would feed patients who were unable to feed themselves.”
Isla said she currently led a drama class of around 20 kids and was also a Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) leader at Waihī College. Across the valley at Thames High School, year-13 head student and Service and Environment prefect Brooklyn Jiang was a strong advocate of volunteering. “For the past four years I’ve volunteered at the Seagull Centre, where I’ve helped as a technician and e-waste coordinator. A large part of my role involves processing electronic waste so it can be recycled responsibly, as well as repairing donated electronics that can then be sold through the centre,” he said.
“The proceeds help support community grants and local initiatives.”
He was also part of the Thames High Student Volunteer Army (SVA) for three years as one of the original members who helped to establish the group, he said. In his second year, he said he became the club leader and helped it grow to around 72 active members. Even though he said he’s stepped back from the leadership role, he still supports the group where he can.
Brooklyn said they hoped to organise some native tree planting in the Kauaeranga Valley through the schools service leaders and SVA for volunteer week. For people keen to get involved in volunteering, Brooklyn said give it a go.
“If you’re nervous, try volunteering alongside a friend. That can make the first step much easier,” he said. “For me, volunteering has led to great friendships, valuable skills, and opportunities I never expected. Even a small contribution can make a real difference, and you’ll often gain just as much from the experience as the people you’re helping.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
