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by Paula Denton - Community Connector, Volunteer South

With National Volunteer Week (14-20 June) upon us, it is time to turn up the volume and celebrate the incredible volunteers who keep our community thriving. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, marks the International Year of the Volunteer 2026. It’s the ultimate moment to honour our current volunteers and inspire others to get involved.

Volunteering is at the heart of strong, connected and resilient communities. Living in the Queenstown Lakes District brings undeniable magic, but it also comes with a unique set of pressures. Cost-of-living challenges and a transient population are stretching our social fabric, creating a disconnect between our resort image and the everyday reality. Yet beneath the surface lies a powerful, quiet force holding our communities together: volunteers.

New Zealand’s volunteering participation remains strong, but the way we give our time is changing. Busy lives mean fewer hours and a shift toward flexible, casual roles. Volunteers, particularly younger people, are increasingly motivated by personal values, skills development and alignment with causes they care about.

At the same time, community organisations face real pressures - from time constraints and the cost of living to an ageing workforce and rising red tape. They don’t have to navigate it alone though. Volunteer South remains dedicated to ensuring grassroots organisations have the support they need to manage this changing landscape.

Leading up to National Volunteer Week, Volunteer South has been encouraging organisations to share stories that celebrate the heart, impact, and people behind their mahi. We were thrilled by the fabulous response from Queenstown Lakes organisations and will be sharing these wonderful stories on our website and social media. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks - you might just find a story that inspires you to get involved.

Recently, we also facilitated a student volunteer day. While a school day off is usually a chance to sleep in, 56 Wakatipu High School students chose to spend their Teacher Only Day supporting their local community. Their teamwork contributed 188 hours of mahi across the district, from environmental restoration with Mana Tāhuna and the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Group, to helping out at the SPCA Op Shop and QLDC Libraries. They also contributed to community creativity at Te Atamira, and provided vital social connection through Happiness House, Plunket, and Wakatipu Senior Citizens. It’s so encouraging to see youth volunteering thriving - bringing fresh energy and building lifelong community connections.

At Volunteer South, we help connect people with causes that strengthen our district. Whether it’s planting trees, supporting social services, or sitting on a board, your time matters. This National Volunteer Week, why not find a role that matches your passion and lifestyle? Visit volunteersouth.org.nz to explore local opportunities. When motivation matches opportunity, our entire community thrives.