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
Wise and Wonderful leader recognised for seven years of service A Katikati volunteer who has helped create lasting friendships and social connections for local seniors has been recognised for her dedication to the community. Jill Bentley received a Volunteer Star award from Volunteering Services following nominations from Jan De Faye of the Katikati Community
Te Puke volunteer honoured for years of community service A Te Puke woman who has spent years helping local families, fundraising for sport and supporting community events has been recognised as the town’s Volunteer Star Award winner. Sarah Nelson received the Te Puke Volunteer Star Award at a National Volunteer Week celebration held at
Meet Murray: a star volunteer Ōmokoroa volunteer and community leader Murray Marshall has been recognised with a Volunteer Star Award during National Volunteer Week, honouring his wide-ranging contribution to local organisations and community initiatives around the peninsula. The award was presented at a community gathering celebrating volunteers from across Ōmokoroa. Murray was nominated by
Horses, hope and heart at EquiSucceed On the shores of Lake Rotorua in Ngongotahā, a team of staff, volunteers and horses is helping people overcome challenges and discover new possibilities. EquiSucceed NZ provides Equine-Assisted Services for children and adults living with physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and behavioural challenges. Operating from leased land at 110
Life-changing connections for student volunteer Soyeon Kim came to New Zealand looking for connection. Two years later, the Tauranga university student has been recognised as one of the region’s most dedicated volunteers. The 29-year-old, who is studying for a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Waikato campus, has been named the
Karleigh’s commitment to dementia volunteering For Karleigh Jones, volunteering is about more than giving back to the community. It is an opportunity to learn, connect with others and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The Tauranga volunteer has been named Volunteer of the Month for June by Volunteering Services and is being recognised
Young volunteers helping restore waterways A growing partnership between Tauranga conservation charity Outflow Trust and youth-focused organisation Recreate NZ is helping young people gain confidence, skills, community connections and purpose while restoring local waterways and coastlines. Over the past two school terms, young volunteers from Recreate’s mid-week Moxie Work Experience programmes have been working
From Shy Starter to Standout Volunteer: Brayden’s Journey A young volunteer who once kept to himself is now helping shape the grounds at Waipuna Hospice - and is encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. Brayden Collins, 21, has been named Volunteering Services' Volunteer of the Month, recognised for his growth from a
A Century of Community: Katikati A&P Society Wins Western Bay Community Event Award A small but mighty team of volunteers has achieved something remarkable - keeping a beloved Bay of Plenty tradition alive and thriving for more than 100 years. In recognition of this achievement, the 100th Katikati A&P Show was named winner of
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 voucher from her sister brought
Volunteering Services is a programme of SociaLink, operated by Social Sector Innovation WBOP Charitable Trust Number CC50192
