MEDIA RELEASE 9/7/25

When Shona Graham first answered a newspaper ad calling for volunteers to help with Katikati’s Christmas Float Parade, she never imagined it would spark a 30-year journey in community service.

“There was an ad in the paper for volunteers, and I thought that would be a good way to meet people,” Shona recalls. “It all started from there.”

Since then, she’s supported a huge range of centre-led initiatives — from School Holiday Programmes and After School Care to the Festival of Cultures, Spring Clean events, Health Expos, and more. Alongside her helping hands, Shona is also known for her kind heart and the fresh fruit and plants she donates from her garden.

Nicky Austin from the Katikati Community Centre says, “It would be impossible to count the hours Shona has given to the Katikati community. She’s cheery, positive, hardworking, and we couldn’t survive without her.”

Volunteering has always been a family affair for Shona. Her mum was a volunteer, and Shona herself started while pregnant with her youngest daughter — who later worked on reception and still volunteers at the Centre today.

Shona laughs that after nearly three decades, she’s practically part of the building. “The Centre’s been such a big part of my life — and I guess I’ve become part of it too.”

“Some of the kids I’m working with now are the children of people I did classes for years ago,” she says. “It’s pretty special.”

In June, while attending Kati Chat, Shona was enjoying hearing others being celebrated when something unexpected happened. “I was listening to all the amazing things happening, and suddenly realised they were talking about me!” she says. “I looked at my workmate and just went, ‘Oh no!’” Shona received the Lifetime Volunteer Award, presented by Volunteering Services, in recognition of her 30 years of outstanding contribution.

When asked what she’d say to someone considering volunteering, her advice was heartfelt and simple: “Volunteering is so good for the soul. Once you start, you’ll see how if everyone gave a little bit back, our communities would all be thriving.”

Volunteering Services offers support, connection, and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you’re keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your kaupapa, we’re here to help.

To learn more, visit www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or give us a ring on (07) 987 0920.