Inspire the next generation of volunteers
Every young person has something valuable to offer. Every community organisation has a story worth sharing. Rangatahi in the Community brings these two together — creating connections that inspire, empower and strengthen our communities.
Across Nelson Tasman, volunteer-involving organisations are making a difference every day. From protecting our environment and supporting community wellbeing, to caring for animals, strengthening food security, and enriching arts, culture and sport, local organisations are creating positive change through their mahi.
Volunteer Nelson’s Rangatahi in the Community Programme invites organisations like yours to inspire young people aged 16–24 through meaningful volunteering experiences. Through the programme, rangatahi connect with local organisations where they can discover new causes, explore future pathways, build confidence, develop skills and experience the reward of contributing to something bigger than themselves. For your organisation, this is an opportunity to welcome fresh perspectives, share your passion and help nurture the next generation of volunteers, advocates and community leaders.
Become a host organisation and help shape a young person’s future
A single volunteering experience can spark a lifelong connection. Whether a young person is completely new to volunteering or already actively involved in their community, your organisation could be the place where they discover a new interest, build confidence and take their next step.
By becoming a host organisation, you can help rangatahi:
• Experience the purpose and impact behind your organisation’s mahi
• Explore new interests and possible study or career pathways
• Build confidence, practical skills and valuable connections
• Gain real-world experience to strengthen their CV and future opportunities
• Develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills
• Meet inspiring people and strengthen their sense of belonging
Your organisation could be where a young person discovers a passion they never knew they had.
How can your organisation get involved?
Volunteer Nelson works alongside organisations to create welcoming, achievable and rewarding volunteering experiences that suit your organisation’s needs and capacity.
Host organisations are invited to offer a two-hour taster volunteering session, giving rangatahi the opportunity to:
• Learn about your organisation and the difference your mahi makes
• Meet your volunteers, staff and community
• Take part in a hands-on activity or meaningful experience
• Discover ways they can continue their volunteering journey
These sessions are designed to be simple, enjoyable and impactful — giving young people a glimpse into the incredible range of volunteering opportunities available across Nelson Tasman.
Whether your organisation supports the environment, animals, community wellbeing, food security, arts, culture, sport or another important cause, your mahi matters and there is a place for you in the Rangatahi in the Community Programme.
Creating connections that last
Volunteering gives young people experiences they can carry into the future — helping them develop workplace skills, explore career interests, strengthen their CVs and build networks that support their next steps.
Recent participants from Nayland’s college have enjoyed opportunities with local organisations including The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Natureland, The Buzz and Nelson Community Foodbank. Through these experiences, rangatahi have met passionate volunteers, learned new skills and discovered the impact of community mahi.
Could your organisation inspire the next volunteers?
The future of volunteering is shaped by the opportunities we create today. By welcoming rangatahi into your organisation, you are helping build a more connected, resilient community while supporting young people to become the volunteers, advocates and leaders of tomorrow. You are also helping young people gain the confidence, skills and experiences that can support their education, employment and lifelong involvement in their community.
Volunteer Nelson is inviting more organisations to join Rangatahi in the Community Programme and help create inspiring experiences for our local young people.
To learn more about becoming a host organisation or how your organisation can get involved, contact the Volunteer Nelson team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03 546 7681