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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
Te Puke volunteer honoured for years of community service A Te Puke woman who has spent years helping local families, fundraising for sport and supporting community events has been recognised as the town’s Volunteer Star Award winner. Sarah Nelson received the Te Puke Volunteer Star Award at a National Volunteer Week celebration held at
Meet Murray: a star volunteer Ōmokoroa volunteer and community leader Murray Marshall has been recognised with a Volunteer Star Award during National Volunteer Week, honouring his wide-ranging contribution to local organisations and community initiatives around the peninsula. The award was presented at a community gathering celebrating volunteers from across Ōmokoroa. Murray was nominated by
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
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
Volunteering Services is a programme of SociaLink, operated by Social Sector Innovation WBOP Charitable Trust Number CC50192
