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 69 blog entries.

LeadMe Free Online Self-Assessment (online)

LeadMe Free Online Self-Assessment The LeadMe tool is designed for you to take charge of your leadership journey. If you are a leader in any capacity in a volunteer programme this tool can help you hone your skills. It has been fully revised and updated to align with the Best Practice Guidelines. Check it

By |February 25th, 2026|Events|Comments Off on LeadMe Free Online Self-Assessment (online)

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

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 |January 26th, 2026|Events|Comments Off on Netsafe Training for Young People – on demand (online)

Care, Camaraderie and Community at Waipuna Hospice

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

By |January 14th, 2026|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Care, Camaraderie and Community at Waipuna Hospice

Tauranga City Council Builds Guardians for the City’s Natural Spaces

MEDIA RELEASE 15th December, 2025 Tauranga City Council Builds Guardians for the City’s Natural Spaces Across Tauranga’s coastlines, wetlands, and reserves, volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to protect the city’s natural environment. Through Tauranga City Council’s (TCC) environmental initiatives, community collaboration is helping care for and restore some of Tauranga’s most valued natural

By |December 16th, 2025|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Tauranga City Council Builds Guardians for the City’s Natural Spaces

Celebrating Volunteers: International Volunteer Day 2025

MEDIA RELEASE 8th December, 2025 Celebrating Volunteers: International Volunteer Day 2025 Volunteering Services marked International Volunteer Day on 5 December with a fun gathering that brought together volunteers and staff for pizza, kōrero, and plenty of connection, offering a meaningful pause to celebrate and reconnect outside the usual routines.  The day recognised the

By |December 10th, 2025|News, organisation news, Volunteer Stories|Comments Off on Celebrating Volunteers: International Volunteer Day 2025
Go to Top