We’re facing a growing number of problems in Aotearoa – and many are deeply connected.
More and more people are struggling with loneliness, even in the middle of busy lives. Our communities are seeing rising social needs – from housing and food insecurity to isolation and mental distress. At the same time, not-for-profits and charities are stretched thinner than ever, trying to do more with less.
Another change is quietly happening too: the rise of artificial intelligence. While most people aren’t chatting with AI companions just yet, it’s a solution more may turn to in the future. It can feel comforting – always agreeable, always available – but ultimately it’s an echo chamber. It lacks the depth, challenge, and growth that comes with connecting to real people. You won’t become more empathetic, curious or resilient by only hearing what you already believe.
The good news? There’s one simple, meaningful act that helps on every front: volunteering.
Volunteering reconnects people – to purpose, to each other, and to community. It helps solve social problems and lifts the wellbeing of the person giving their time. It’s not just nice-to-have – it’s a powerful remedy to some of our most pressing issues.
Connection, not just contribution
When you volunteer, you’re not just giving your time. You’re joining a team, building a sense of belonging, and rediscovering purpose. You might start as strangers, but over time, shared mahi can turn into shared laughs, stories – even friendships.
And unlike a digital companion, the people you meet might challenge your thinking, open up new perspectives, or simply sit with you over a cuppa and ask how you’re really doing. That kind of connection builds resilience – for individuals and for society.
Imagine volunteering – it might be out in the fresh air, planting trees or clearing tracks. It might be preparing food in a community kitchen. It could be supporting people who are elderly, disabled, young, new to the country, or struggling to get by. It could be driving someone to a medical appointment, or helping run a local event. The options are endless.
If loneliness is part of what you’re trying to shift, then choose something that puts you alongside others – working as a team, or directly with people you can interact with. Being around others, with a shared sense of purpose, is a powerful balm.
You get more than you give
There’s growing evidence that giving your time to others has profound psychological and emotional benefits. Volunteering has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, increased happiness, and even a longer life. It boosts self-worth, creates structure, and provides a natural antidote to stress and isolation.
A cure for division, not just loneliness
Volunteering also brings people together who might otherwise never meet. Different generations. Different cultures. Different political views. And that’s no small thing.
If you’ve been working side-by-side with someone planting vegetables, packing boxes, or running a sausage sizzle, chances are you’ll eventually talk about life – maybe even politics. And suddenly, your “opponent” is your team member, your comrade, not a faceless stranger on the receiving end of an online tirade.
Who knows – you might even start to see the world through different eyes. Your own experiences only take you so far. Real understanding comes when you hear how others have lived, struggled, and seen the world differently to you.
This is the kind of social glue we need more of.
Take the first step
If you’re feeling lonely, disconnected, or just a bit lost – volunteering won’t fix everything overnight. But it’s a powerful, hopeful place to begin.
You don’t need special skills. You don’t need lots of spare time. You just need to show up, be willing, and keep going.
There’s a huge range of ways to volunteer – from micro-volunteering (small tasks you can do in your own time), to one-off events, to regular weekly roles. Some opportunities ask for just an hour here or there, while others are more involved. Whatever your availability, there will be something to suit.
And just like time commitment, the skill levels vary too. Some roles are ideal for building confidence or gaining experience for the workforce. Others need high-level expertise – like managing volunteers, running a project, or serving on a board where strategic thinking and leadership are vital. Whatever stage of life you’re at, your contribution matters.
Best of all, you’ll be appreciated. Community organisations are crying out for willing volunteers. When you join their team, you’re not just helping out – you’re strengthening their ability to do what they do best. You become part of their mission.
Start by browsing the Volunteering Services website for guidance on how to get involved, or explore loads of local opportunities via Seek Volunteering. You’re sure to find something that suits your skills, availability, and interests.
Start small. Bring a friend. Or go solo and meet new ones. You might be surprised where it leads – not just for others, but for you.
