Volunteer Marlborough

21/09/2026

Make sure to grab your free ticket this week! Shows are Sunday, 2pm and 4pm
More information https://marlboroughnz.com/events/extra-lives-interactive-video-game-concert/
Marlborough Boys' College
Marlborough Girls' College
Queen Charlotte College, Picton New Zealand
Marlborough Youth Trust
Bohally Intermediate School
Volunteer Marlborough
Rai Valley Area School
Marlborough District Libraries

10/09/2026

When emergencies strike - earthquakes, wild weather, flooding, pandemics - Marlborough steps up.

But without coordination, the best intentions could even become part of the problem.

That's where we come in.

Volunteer Marlborough has an official agreement with Marlborough Emergency Management to activate trained, pre-registered, vetted emergency volunteers for when support is needed.

**Note - this will not involve being in the Emergency Coordination Centre or involved in rescue teams unless you opt to take on additional ongoing training**

From animal care to logistics, data entry to welfare support, your existing skills and experience could make a life-changing difference.

- Free basic training
- Optional CIMS (Coordinated Incident Management System) & Needs Assessment courses
- Only called when needed
- No obligation if unavailable

Are you 18+ and living in Marlborough? Be the calm in the chaos.

Join our emergency volunteer network today.

Register HERE: https://volunteermarlborough.org.nz/volunteer/emergency-volunteering

10/09/2026

Want to do something useful in your community, meet some good people, and keep your brain ticking over at the same time? CAB Marlborough might be just the place.

CAB Marlborough is looking for volunteers to join the team and help local people find their way through all sorts of everyday problems, questions and curly situations.

You don’t need to know everything when you walk through the door. Training and support are provided, and you’ll be part of a team you can turn to when you need a second opinion.

Volunteering can fit around your schedule, keep your skills current, and give you the very satisfying feeling of knowing you’ve helped someone leave a little less confused than when they arrived.

Sound like you?

Go HERE: https://volunteermarlborough.org.nz/volunteer/positions/1038/interviewer

27/08/2026

It's Friday, so we're taking a slightly less serious look at the community sector.

If community organisations were people at a party, who would they be?

The organiser. The overcommitted one. The person who brought a folder of policies. The tiny organisations somehow doing the work of ten people. And, of course, Jordan...who appears to be running the entire social media operation from his phone.

Our latest Friday Fun blog is an affectionate look at the personalities we all know in the sector.

Have a read 👇

written by Meg Martin, GM If community organisations were people at a party, you would know exactly who was who within about 10 minutes. Not because...

23/08/2026

Thinking about volunteering, but not quite sure what you’re signing yourself up for?

A good volunteer role should work for you as well as the organisation. That means it’s completely reasonable to ask about the time commitment, training, support, expenses, flexibility, and what happens if it turns out not to be the right fit.

Our latest blog looks at the questions worth asking before you say yes, and why a little clarity at the start can make for a much better volunteering experience.

Have a read 👇

written by Meg Martin, GM Volunteering is supposed to be a good thing. I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes people say yes to a role because the...

11/08/2026

Today our GM, Meg, had a few musings about a comment we hear pretty often in the community sector:

"People just don't volunteer liked they used to"

But is that actually true?

Maybe people haven't stopped wanting to volunteer. Maybe the way they CAN volunteer has changed, while some of our expectations haven't quite caught up.

Meg takes a look at what we're seeing on the ground, why some traditional volunteer roles are getting harder to fill, and why that doesn't necessarily mean people care any less about their communities.

Have a read 👇

written by Meg Martin, GM Every so often, someone says it. "People just don't volunteer like they used to." Usually it comes up when an org...

27/07/2026

🏆 Celebrating our 2026 Overall Volunteers of the Year! 🏆

The Overall Volunteer of the Year Award recognises people whose service, generosity and commitment truly stand out across our community.

This year, the judges selected two incredibly deserving joint winners, each representing a very different but equally inspiring volunteering journey.

🥇 Joint Winner — Cindy Morrison

Cindy’s contribution is remarkable in both its breadth and consistency. For many years, she has generously supported Hospice Marlborough, Alzheimer’s Marlborough, Marlborough Four Paws and the Cancer Society Marlborough.

Whether she is helping at events, organising fundraising initiatives, contributing resources or simply stepping in whenever needed, Cindy is someone organisations know they can rely on. Her kindness, energy and extraordinary willingness to help have created an impact across multiple causes and throughout the wider Marlborough community.

🥇 Joint Winner — Jack Powell

Jack’s volunteering journey is an inspiring example of courage, commitment and personal growth. By embracing new opportunities, stepping outside his comfort zone and continuing to challenge himself, Jack has developed into a confident, capable and valued volunteer.

His achievements show how volunteering can transform not only the community being served, but the volunteer themselves as well as how much young people can contribute when they are supported and given the opportunity to shine.

🥈 Runner-up — Stephen Leitch

Stephen was recognised for his outstanding service, reliability and commitment to his community. His contribution reflects the generosity and dedication at the heart of volunteering, and the meaningful difference one person can make through consistently showing up for others.

Congratulations to Cindy, Jack and Stephen. Your service represents the very best of mahi aroha, and Marlborough is stronger, kinder and more connected because of people like you. 💛

24/07/2026

🌟 Celebrating our Outstanding Youth Volunteers! 🌟

Young volunteers bring fresh energy, new ideas and an incredible willingness to step up, and this year’s recipients are wonderful examples of the difference rangatahi can make in their communities.

🏆 OUTSTANDING YOUTH VOLUNTEER

🥇 Winner — Jack Powell
Jack’s volunteering journey has shown remarkable commitment, confidence and personal growth. By embracing new opportunities, stepping outside his comfort zone and continuing to challenge himself, he has become a valued and dependable volunteer.

His achievement is a powerful reminder that volunteering not only strengthens communities. It can also help young people discover their abilities, build new skills and realise just how much they have to contribute.

🥈 Runner-up — Mariah Hitchins
Mariah has demonstrated generosity, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to helping others. Through her volunteering, she has shown maturity, initiative and a willingness to give her time and energy for the benefit of her community.

Congratulations to Jack and Mariah. Your contributions show that age is no barrier to creating meaningful change, and Marlborough’s future is brighter with young people like you leading the way. 💛

23/07/2026

🕯️ The Tere Taukamo ‘Light the Way’ Award 🕯️

This very special award was created in memory of Tere Taukamo and the light she brought to the lives of those around her.

Tere’s legacy was one of compassion, courage, connection and service. The ‘Light the Way’ Award recognises someone who reflects that same spirit. Someone whose actions guide, encourage and create hope for others.

We were deeply honoured to welcome Tere’s whānau and friends to the 2026 Marlborough Community & Volunteer of the Year Awards. It was especially meaningful to have Tere’s partner, Jane Stammers, and her stepdaughter, Sophie Stammers, present the award.

🕯️ Recipient — Sarah Carberry

Through her work with the FareWell Trust, Sarah provides compassionate support and helps ensure people are treated with dignity, care and kindness during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Her willingness to walk alongside others, offer practical help and bring comfort when it is needed most beautifully reflects the spirit of this award. Through her service, Sarah truly helps to light the way for others.

Congratulations, Sarah. Receiving an award carrying Tere’s name and legacy is a truly special honour.

Our sincere thanks to Jane, Sophie, and Tere’s whānau and friends for joining us and helping ensure that her light continues to shine. 💛

22/07/2026

💛 Celebrating our Special Award recipients! 💛

These awards recognise people whose generosity, dedication and quiet commitment have made an extraordinary difference across Marlborough.

🤲 MAHI AROHA AWARD FOR SELFLESSNESS
🏅 Natasha Lovett
🏅 Rob McCaw & Helen Braithwaite

Natasha, Rob and Helen each embody the true spirit of mahi aroha ... giving their time, care and energy without seeking recognition or reward. Their selflessness has supported others, strengthened their communities and shown just how powerful kindness in action can be.

🌟 SPECIAL DEDICATION AWARD — Cindy Morrison

Cindy’s contribution to Marlborough is remarkable in both its breadth and consistency. Through years of service to Hospice Marlborough, Alzheimer’s Marlborough, Marlborough Four Paws and the Cancer Society Marlborough, she has become someone organisations know they can always rely on.

Whether she is fundraising, helping at events, contributing resources or stepping in wherever needed, Cindy’s dedication is truly exceptional.

🏛️ COMMUNITY PILLAR AWARD — Mark Watson

Mark’s longstanding contribution reflects the leadership, reliability and commitment of someone who has become a genuine pillar of the community. His service has strengthened the people and organisations around him and created an impact that reaches far beyond any single role or project.

Congratulations to Natasha, Rob, Helen, Cindy and Mark. Thank you for the care, strength and generosity you bring to Marlborough. Our community is stronger because of you. 👏💛