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
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
Making Donations a Key Income Stream Donations is an income stream often under-rated or overlooked. Sometimes myths and beliefs create barriers to exploring donations – people only give small donations, people are not giving since COVID or don’t give during a recession. The truth is we know giving does not decrease during a recession,
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
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
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
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
