Nicki Turner

Community Engagement Advisor

Nicki was born and bred in Tauranga but has been away for 30 years, working in Pukekohe in the disabled and social service sector. She worked for Blind Low Vision in Needs Assessment for the midcentral area, and for IHC.

She and her husband took off for Australia for five years, working short term and travelling around the country. Her husband, a farmer, decided to semi-retire from farming and Nicki returned to the same job with Blind Low Vision when they returned to Tauranga in November 2023.

“I’ve always been involved in the volunteer space. It’s just what we do, we’re a family of volunteers. I’m looking forward to connecting with the local community and rebuilding networks having been away so long.”
She lives at Pyes Pā, but her favourite thing to do is walk their springer spaniel on the beach at the Mount.

Reach out to Nicki on nicki@socialink.org.nz or 021 225 2994

About Leanne Rhodes-Robinson

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So far Leanne Rhodes-Robinson has created 59 blog entries.

Horses, hope and heart at EquiSucceed

Horses, hope and heart at EquiSucceed On the shores of Lake Rotorua in Ngongotahā, a team of staff, volunteers and horses is helping people overcome challenges and discover new possibilities. EquiSucceed NZ provides Equine-Assisted Services for children and adults living with physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and behavioural challenges. Operating from leased land at 110

By |June 23rd, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Horses, hope and heart at EquiSucceed

Life-changing connections

Life-changing connections for student volunteer Soyeon Kim came to New Zealand looking for connection. Two years later, the Tauranga university student has been recognised as one of the region’s most dedicated volunteers. The 29-year-old, who is studying for a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Waikato campus, has been named the

By |June 16th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Life-changing connections

Karleigh’s commitment to dementia volunteering

Karleigh’s commitment to dementia volunteering For Karleigh Jones, volunteering is about more than giving back to the community. It is an opportunity to learn, connect with others and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The Tauranga volunteer has been named Volunteer of the Month for June by Volunteering Services and is being recognised

By |June 8th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Karleigh’s commitment to dementia volunteering

Young volunteers helping restore waterways

Young volunteers helping restore waterways A growing partnership between Tauranga conservation charity Outflow Trust and youth-focused organisation Recreate NZ is helping young people gain confidence, skills, community connections and purpose while restoring local waterways and coastlines. Over the past two school terms, young volunteers from Recreate’s mid-week Moxie Work Experience programmes have been working

By |May 19th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Young volunteers helping restore waterways

From shy starter to standout volunteer: Brayden’s journey

From Shy Starter to Standout Volunteer: Brayden’s Journey A young volunteer who once kept to himself is now helping shape the grounds at Waipuna Hospice - and is encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. Brayden Collins, 21, has been named Volunteering Services' Volunteer of the Month, recognised for his growth from a

By |May 11th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on From shy starter to standout volunteer: Brayden’s journey

Netsafe Training for Young People – on demand (online)

Netsafe Training for those working/volunteering with young people “Can I tell you something that happened online?” When a young person opens up like this, it’s not always clear what to say or do next - especially when it involves cyberbullying, harassment, or the sharing of intimate content. Netsafe offers free online training for people

By |April 23rd, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Netsafe Training for Young People – on demand (online)

A Century of Community

A Century of Community: Katikati A&P Society Wins Western Bay Community Event Award A small but mighty team of volunteers has achieved something remarkable - keeping a beloved Bay of Plenty tradition alive and thriving for more than 100 years. In recognition of this achievement, the 100th Katikati A&P Show was named winner of

By |April 21st, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on A Century of Community

Seen, Supported, and Remembered: Meet MAMA’s Volunteers

Seen, Supported, and Remembered: Meet MAMA’s Volunteers Many organisations start from a moment of courage, which is how Massage After Miscarriage Aotearoa (MAMA) was born in 2020. In the lead-up to Mother’s Day, Michelle Topham faced the quiet pain of losing her second baby. Not long after, a massage voucher from her sister brought

By |April 9th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Seen, Supported, and Remembered: Meet MAMA’s Volunteers

Kin Carers Connect: Supporting whānau who step up

MEDIA RELEASE 23 March 2026 Kin Carers Connect: Supporting whānau who step up For many children, safety and stability begin with the family members who quietly step in when parents cannot. That is the heart of Kin Carers Connect Charitable Trust, a growing organisation supporting kin carers across Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua. Kin

By |March 25th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Kin Carers Connect: Supporting whānau who step up

Making Donations a Key Income Stream – 22 July (online)

Making Donations a Key Income Stream Donations is an income stream often under-rated or overlooked. Sometimes myths and beliefs create barriers to exploring donations – people only give small donations, people are not giving since COVID or don’t give during a recession. The truth is we know giving does not decrease during a recession,

By |March 24th, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Making Donations a Key Income Stream – 22 July (online)
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