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 53 blog entries.

Netsafe Training for Young People – June onwards (on demand)

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 – June onwards (on demand)

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

From Airport Fence to Cockpit: Zavier’s Volunteer Journey

MEDIA RELEASE 9 March, 2026 From Airport Fence to Cockpit: Zavier’s Volunteer Journey At just 17 years old, Zavier Rayner is turning a lifelong fascination with aviation into hands-on experience through volunteering at Classic Flyers. Growing up in Tauranga, he spent his weekends at the airport, happily watching planes of all shapes and

By |March 11th, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on From Airport Fence to Cockpit: Zavier’s Volunteer Journey

Building Belonging at Multicultural Tauranga

21 February, 2026 Building Belonging at Multicultural Tauranga Tucked away on the first floor of the Historic Village, above the bustle of the retail shops, you’ll find a vibrant hub where cultures connect and community thrives. Multicultural Tauranga serves as a welcoming space for migrants settling in Tauranga Moana and the wider Bay

By |February 24th, 2026|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Building Belonging at Multicultural Tauranga

Local Heroes, Global Celebration: IVY 2026 Kicks Off

18th February, 2026 Local Heroes, Global Celebration: IVY 2026 Kicks Off Aotearoa is world-famous for its generosity of spirit, with Kiwis contributing around 159 million hours of formal volunteer labour every year. That’s hundreds of thousands of hands and hearts in schools, marae, charities, and countless community initiatives, all helping our communities thrive.

By |February 23rd, 2026|News, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Local Heroes, Global Celebration: IVY 2026 Kicks Off

Emergency Volunteering in the Bay of Plenty

By Margaret McLachlan, Volunteering NZ 16th February, 2026 Emergency Volunteering in the Bay of Plenty  Volunteers in the Bay of Plenty provided great support in the recovery from the Mauao (Mt Maunganui) and Welcome Bay storm events of late January.  A team of volunteers organised by SociaLink Volunteering Services supported the He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre.   Volunteer team well-prepared and welcoming  “We want to say how amazing

By |February 16th, 2026|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Emergency Volunteering in the Bay of Plenty

Governance Volunteering: why serving on a board can be a win-win

MEDIA RELEASE 10th February, 2026 Governance Volunteering: why serving on a board can be a win-win When people think about volunteering, they often picture hands-on roles. But serving on a board can be one of the most powerful ways to contribute to the community, while also offering personal rewards. Annika Lane is a great

By |February 9th, 2026|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Governance Volunteering: why serving on a board can be a win-win

Volunteer Hop launches across the Western Bay

MEDIA RELEASE 3rd February, 2026 Volunteer Hop launches across the Western Bay A brand-new community event is hopping into Te Puke, Katikati, and Waihī Beach, inviting locals of all ages to explore volunteering in a fun, feel-good way. Walk, bike, or drive between nearby locations, meet volunteer groups in action, collect stamps along the

By |February 4th, 2026|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Volunteer Hop launches across the Western Bay
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