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
MEDIA RELEASE 7 April, 2026 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
Create a toy for the dogs and cats at the SPCA. These toys help keep them entertained while they wait for their forever homes. And if you are looking for a new addition to your household, the SPCA will be bringing in some of their gorgeous kittens who are looking for new homes. NOTE:
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
MEDIA RELEASE 12th January, 2026 Care, Camaraderie and Community at Waipuna Hospice At Waipuna Hospice, volunteers are a driving force behind specialist palliative care, supporting patients and whānau and keeping daily operations running in the Western Bay. Shelley Atkinson, Volunteer Services Manager, says their contribution is absolutely vital. “Our volunteers are extraordinary. Their generosity
Volunteering Services is a programme of SociaLink, operated by Social Sector Innovation WBOP Charitable Trust Number CC50192
