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
For most of us, laundry is a tiresome chore, but for SPCA volunteer Lesley Marshall it’s her happy place. It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and she’s proof that volunteering is good for your mental health, no matter the job. For 21 years, Lesley has turned up at the Tauranga SPCA three days a week
In the heart of Tauranga's city centre, something remarkable happens every week. Under the Stars began in late 2014 with a plastic table set up outside the Tauranga City Library serving meals for the homeless. Liz Kite, inspired by a need she saw in the community, decided to take action. In the beginning, only
It’s Welcoming Week, and Jason Rigon is a prime example of a migrant who has helped make his new home in Tauranga a more friendly place for other newcomers. Filipino Jason is President of Club Filipino Tauranga Inc. (CFTI), and settled here with his family, wife Joy and three young sons in 2017. He’s
Presenter: Chris Atkinson This workshop will give you the tools and strategies to measure and show the impact of your volunteer teams. Vital in funding applications and to advocate for increased resourcing for your team. Register early to reserve your spot! Wed 11 March, 9:30am - 12:00pm The Kollective, 145 Seventeenth Avenue, Tauranga For
Using AI in your Community Mahi (online) If you’re working in community and you’re ready to start using AI, or keen to explore new and different ways it can support your mahi, join us for this practical online session. Lani Evans and Josh Vial from Fundsorter will guide you through real-world applications of AI
Presented by Natalia Sexton, (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine). An exploration of research, practice and indigenous insights about mahi aroha in 2025. This is a recorded session from Tūao Aotearoa’s Volunteering Changemakers Hui 2025. Filmed and edited by the Community Research kaimahi. To watch any time, click here
The social and cultural factors that impact on social service delivery and volunteering. Presented by Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley – Massey University. This is a recorded session from Tūao Aotearoa’s Volunteering Changemakers Hui 2025. Filmed and edited by the Community Research kaimahi. To watch any time, click here
Here are short (<5 minute) videos introducing each of the Best Practice Guidelines practice areas. The guidelines are a tool for volunteer managers to improve volunteer engagement. There are seven practice areas, from the moment a volunteer hears about your organisation, to when they leave. Each practice area includes key principles, describes what good
A Session with David Kirk Chair of NZ Rugby, NFP Kiwi Harvest, and former Chair of the NZ Food Network. David, who also captained the All Blacks to victory in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, shares his insights and experiences. Watch any time by registering here: click here
Volunteering Services is a programme of SociaLink, operated by Social Sector Innovation WBOP Charitable Trust Number CC50192
