New Plymouth Celebrates Volunteer Contributions with New Awards

Volunteering New Plymouth has announced a series of initiatives aimed at recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of volunteers in the community. In a recent update, manager Marie Riordan outlined several programs designed to highlight the efforts of individuals and groups dedicated to serving others. These initiatives are part of an ongoing commitment to support and appreciate volunteer work in the region.

A New Monthly Award to Honor Local Volunteers

Among the new initiatives is the introduction of the Volunteer of the Month (VOM) award, which will recognize one deserving volunteer each month. This award, backed by sponsorship from Westwill Properties and Kiwi Mosaic, aims to celebrate exceptional contributions to the community. The monthly winners will also be considered for the Volunteer of the Year award, which will be presented during the Volunteer Recognition Awards on December 5, 2026, coinciding with International Volunteer’s Day.

In 2025, 98 volunteers were honored at the awards, which included categories for couples, individuals, long service, teams, youth, and those representing three generations. The upcoming awards ceremony in December 2026 will serve as a culmination of a year-long celebration of volunteerism, coinciding with the designation of 2026 as the International Volunteer Year (IVY2026).

Recognizing Community Heroes and Building Networks

Each year, Volunteering New Plymouth submits citations of awardees for consideration in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year awards. Last November, nine of the 16 awarded volunteers received medals, marking Taranaki as having the largest number of medallists—16 out of 100 recipients nationwide. This highlights the significant impact of local volunteers on a national scale.

In addition to individual recognitions, the organization supports community events like the Special Children’s Extravaganza. Each August, this event provides a day of fun for families whose children have faced challenges. Last year, 24 students from Sacred Heart Girls’ College and Francis Douglas Memorial College volunteered at the event, showcasing the involvement of youth in community service.

Volunteering New Plymouth also facilitates quarterly morning teas for volunteer managers and board members from the not-for-profit sector. These gatherings, sponsored by Age Concern Taranaki and other local businesses, create spaces for sharing challenges, successes, and best practices in volunteer management. The final meeting of the year is traditionally held at Starbucks to celebrate International Volunteers’ Day.

As the organization continues its efforts to enhance volunteer recognition and support, it encourages local organizations to nominate exceptional individuals for the various awards. These initiatives not only acknowledge the hard work of volunteers but also promote a culture of appreciation and community spirit in New Plymouth.