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

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Leanne Rhodes-Robinson has created 70 blog entries.

Getting Funder Ready – 8 Sep

Getting Funder Ready Preparing Your Organisation for Grants, Donations & Sponsorship To help organisations understand what funders look for and ensure their organisation is well-prepared before applying for funding, donations or sponsorship. By the end of this workshop, participants will: Learn about the different types of funding available and when to use it Understand

By |September 2nd, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Getting Funder Ready – 8 Sep

Creative Problem-Solving for Volunteer Managers – 9 Sep (online)

Creative Problem-Solving for Volunteer Managers Chris Wade | Time for Impact Put on by Volunteering NZ, this is a fun and engaging session that teaches volunteer managers a range of innovative strategies to help themselves, their organisations and their volunteers think laterally about how to add value to their work. We will use practical

By |September 2nd, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Creative Problem-Solving for Volunteer Managers – 9 Sep (online)

Impact Reporting with Infographics – 15 Sep

Impact Reporting with infographics Learn how to create your own infographics using Canva. Discover how to create an engaging infographic to tell the story of what your organisation has achieved during the year. Ideal for sharing with funders and stakeholders, increasing donations and engaging with sponsors. Join us for a 3-hour workshop and leave with

By |September 2nd, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Impact Reporting with Infographics – 15 Sep

Excel Intermediate – 22 Sep

Excel - Intermediate Learn how to automate repetitive tasks and save time. This Excel training is for intermediate users who know their way around a spreadsheet and want to take their skills to the next level. What you will learn about: Find and replace - search across multiple worksheets or even an entire workbook with

By |September 2nd, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Excel Intermediate – 22 Sep

Spectrum Connections Celebrates Growth with NeuroFest and New Chairperson

Spectrum Connections celebrates growth with NeuroFest and new chairperson A Tauranga charity supporting families raising neurodivergent children and young people is entering a new chapter, with a major community event and a new chairperson highlighting its growing role in the Bay of Plenty. Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust is preparing for NeuroFest 2026, a free,

By |August 17th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Spectrum Connections Celebrates Growth with NeuroFest and New Chairperson

How Volunteering Helped Elena Find Home and Connection in the Eastern Bay

Volunteering helps Elena find her place in the Eastern Bay A desire to gain community experience while studying psychology has led Whakatāne volunteer Elena Shaw to become a regular companion for people living with dementia. Elena, who is in her early 30s, has volunteered with Alzheimer’s Society Eastern Bay of Plenty for about a

By |August 17th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on How Volunteering Helped Elena Find Home and Connection in the Eastern Bay

Volunteer award honours Jim’s decades of service to Waihī Beach

Volunteer award honours Jim's decades of service to Waihī Beach For nearly 30 years, Jim Cowern has quietly worked behind the scenes to help protect Waihī Beach's environment, preserve its history and make his community a better place to live. Now his decades of dedication have been recognised with the Volunteer Star Award for

By |August 4th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Volunteer award honours Jim’s decades of service to Waihī Beach

Volunteer award recognises young artist’s growing confidence

Volunteer award recognises young artist's growing confidence A love of art has led Rotorua teenager Harper Burns to discover a passion for volunteering; a journey that has now earned her a Volunteer Star Award. The Year 11 Western Heights High School student first volunteered at The Arts Village to complete the service component of

By |July 27th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Volunteer award recognises young artist’s growing confidence

Whai Basketball seeks volunteers as pathways grow

Whai Basketball seeks volunteers as pathways grow Whai Basketball is calling for more volunteers to help deliver game-day experiences while continuing to build pathways that allow young Bay of Plenty players to pursue professional basketball careers without leaving Tauranga. General manager Adam Dunstan says Whai was founded five years ago with a vision of

By |July 21st, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Whai Basketball seeks volunteers as pathways grow

Wise and Wonderful leader recognised for seven years of service

Wise and Wonderful leader recognised for seven years of service A Katikati volunteer who has helped create lasting friendships and social connections for local seniors has been recognised for her dedication to the community. Jill Bentley received a Volunteer Star award from Volunteering Services following nominations from Jan De Faye of the Katikati Community

By |July 13th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Wise and Wonderful leader recognised for seven years of service
Go to Top