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Frederick Wihongi got into teaching others to cook because he wanted to improve his own health. Now he’s won recognition from SociaLink’s Volunteering Services for his contribution for International Volunteer Day on December 5. He’s down at St John’s Church in Ōtumoetai on a Friday helping a group of

A group of young people are making the most of the holidays, sprucing up Te Puke’s cricket club with a colourful mural. Kalib Wallace, from 247 Health and Fitness, mentors rangatahi in the Te Puke area at his gym and is bringing them together to paint murals. He’s completed

For most of us, laundry is a tiresome chore, but for SPCA volunteer Lesley Marshall it’s her happy place. It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and she’s proof that volunteering is good for your mental health, no matter the job. For 21 years, Lesley has turned up at the Tauranga

In the heart of Tauranga's city centre, something remarkable happens every week.  Under the Stars began in late 2014 with a plastic table set up outside the Tauranga City Library serving meals for the homeless.  Liz Kite, inspired by a need she saw in the community, decided to take

It’s Welcoming Week, and Jason Rigon is a prime example of a migrant who has helped make his new home in Tauranga a more friendly place for other newcomers. Filipino Jason is President of Club Filipino Tauranga Inc. (CFTI), and settled here with his family, wife Joy and three

The Breast Cancer Support Trust Papamoa Hills Night Walk, held in July 2024, was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the dedication and support of volunteers who signed up through Volunteering Services, and the promotion they did to attract volunteers. The event drew approximately 400 participants, who

Introducing Te Puna Quarry Park's Ruth Dainty, one of the top 10 Star Volunteers! "Ruth has volunteered at our Beautiful Te Puna Quarry Park for years. She works tirelessly in the gardens and organises the huge plant sales we have twice a year fundraising . She’s always positive, happy

Introducing Tina Zhang, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers for WBOP! Tina is the President of the NZ China Friendship Society Tauranga, she runs the cultural centre at the Historic Village, organises cultural events such as the Tauranga Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival and advocates for the Chinese

Congratulations Megan Branks from Kura Kai Katikati! Megan is one of the top 10 Star Volunteer winners! We popped in to see Megan in Katikati today and give her a voucher and tote bag from Tauranga Crossing. Here's why Marie from Kura Kai NZ nominated Megan "Megan is our

Introducing Tauranga Community Foodbank's Sue Wiseman, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! Sue has been volunteering with Tauranga Community Foodbank since 2005, nearly 20 years! She comes in every week and will often cover shifts if she is able. "She is very reliable, very lovely, and extremely dedicated

Introducing Margaret Harper, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! If you have heard the beautiful sound of the harp while visiting Tauranga Hospital you have encountered Margaret and her gifted playing. "Margaret provides music therapy to 'soothe the soul' of patients, whānau and staff at Tauranga Hospital. Margaret's

Meet Lindi Jones, a volunteer with Tauranga Riding for the Disabled for nearly 50 years! Lindi is one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers, she's a real treasure! Here's what Tauranga RDA Equestrian Therapy Centre have to say, "Lindi Jones is one of our longest-serving volunteers. She has been

Introducing Lindsay Goodin, volunteer at Waipuna Hospice depot and one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! Lindsay brings his 'A' game every week when he volunteers at the @Waipuna Hospice Fraser St depot, using his specialist skills to sort valuable jewellery and metals from the assortment of donations received.

Congratulations Ann Treadgold, Te Puke Toy Library's long-serving coordinator, committee member and 'Elf in Chief' - and one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! Here's why Ann's colleague Sarah nominated her: "Years and years of unfazed dedication to keeping the toy library going, keeping it off the brink of

Introducing Jean Walters, a volunteer with Age Concern Tauranga Inc and one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! In 2009, Jean began volunteering with Age Concern Tauranga's visiting service. Motivated by her mother's experience with loneliness, she started visiting a new friend weekly, providing companionship for 15 years. Throughout

Introducing Alf Terry, one of the Top 10 Star Volunteers! Alf Terry has been volunteering for Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust (BCSS) for over 14 years. He volunteers in the Chemotherapy Ward at the Tauranga Hospital providing morning and afternoon tea to patients having treatment plus their family,

Rubirose Russell of Maketū has already made a start on her chosen career at 14. She’s one of three Volunteering Services Bay of Plenty’s Volunteer Stars for her volunteer work making artistic resources for the early childhood centre at Maketū. It will come in handy when she qualifies as

John Bothwell has a hand in most of the volunteering activities in Katikati. He’s just been named as a Volunteering Star by Volunteering Services Bay of Plenty, and received his award at a Katikati Community Breakfast this week. A former pharmacist, at 74 John hasn’t bothered to retire. “I’ve got

Scotty Harvey is a social worker who doesn’t sit behind a desk to talk to his mental health clients. He’s out on the road every day, parked up to talk to anyone who needs his help through UOKBRO NZ. Scotty has just been named one of three Star Volunteers

Trudy Van Stee is in her happy place - behind the drums at a music afternoon with about 20 members of A Friends Place. She’s surprised to be Volunteering Services’ Volunteer of the Month, but the many older people living at the beach aren’t. They know about the many activities