MEDIA RELEASE
October 3rd, 2025
At 77 years young, Bill Webb is living proof that age is no barrier when it comes to giving back. A long-time volunteer with Good Neighbour, Bill leads the charity’s fruit-picking team, harvesting produce that might otherwise spoil in backyards and helping it reach local families who need it most.
Bill’s journey with Good Neighbour began in 2015, shortly after his retirement from over 40 years in the corporate world. Not one to sit still, he jokes that he couldn’t settle for “sitting at home watching Coronation Street every day” and went looking for something meaningful to do. Reading about the newly-formed Good Neighbour Trust in the newspaper, he signed up as a truck driver for food rescue.
“I thought, that’s me. I’ve sat and looked at a computer screen for four decades. I love the idea of being outdoors with the tūī and pīwakawaka instead,” Bill laughs.
Bill enjoys a “fruit of labour” gift from a Swiss volunteer before their return home
What started small has now grown into a thriving team of around 20 volunteers visiting several backyards and orchards. Together, they harvest between 25-30 tonnes of fruit each year including citrus, avocados, feijoas, and more, which is then distributed to charities supporting whānau throughout the Bay. Recently, Bill’s team rescued over 7,500 kilograms of avocados in just ten days after a major storm. With such a large haul, Good Neighbour was able to share the produce with food banks across the North Island.
But for Bill, it’s not only about the fruit. “Some of our volunteers live alone, so the social aspect of volunteering is just as important as the physical work,” he says.
Bill and Team with Rangatahi from Tauranga Chinese Christian Church Harvesting Mandarins in Te Puna
As Tauranga celebrates the Young at Heart Festival and International Older Persons Day (October 1st), we’re reminded that the spirit of giving knows no age. Bill’s advice to anyone considering volunteering? “Take the plunge. Find something you enjoy, and you’ll get back more than you give.”
Good Neighbour now has more than 250 volunteers giving their time each month across food rescue, fruit picking, firewood, and community support. If you’re keen to volunteer, or if your group needs a helping hand, Volunteering Services can connect you. Learn more at www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987 0920.
