Connecting people. Strengthening communities.

Volunteer Nelson connects people with meaningful volunteering opportunities and supports community organisations across Nelson Tasman to build strong, sustainable volunteer programmes.

We believe volunteering is about more than giving your time. It’s about connection, belonging, skills, purpose and making a difference in the place we call home.

🤝 Helping people volunteer

We connect people with volunteering opportunities across Nelson Tasman and help them find a role that fits their interests, skills and availability.

Find a volunteering opportunity

More about volunteering

🌱 Supporting community organisations

We help community and not-for-profit organisations recruit, support and retain volunteers through advice, resources, training and connections.

Support for organisations

🧭 Connecting our community

Through the FOUND Directory, we help people discover community groups, organisations, services and activities across Nelson Tasman.

Explore FOUND Directory

💬 Building connection and wellbeing

Through Wellby Talking Cafés, we help create welcoming spaces where people can connect with others and their communities.

About Wellby Talking Cafes

Find a Talking Café

Our Story: Growing with our Community

From a small beginnings to a region-wide network, Volunteer Nelson has been connecting people and communities for more than 30 years.

Our story began in 1991, when the organisation became incorporated as the Volunteer/Friends Network Society Incorporated. In 1994, it became the Nelson Volunteer Centre and Citizen Advocacy Trust, before continuing to grow and evolve into the Volunteer Nelson we know today.

While our name and services have changed over the years, our purpose has remained the same: connecting people, strengthening communities and helping volunteering thrive across Te Tauihu.