New Plymouth Celebrates Volunteers with Recognition Awards

Volunteering New Plymouth has unveiled a series of initiatives to honor and support local volunteers, significantly enhancing community engagement. Under the leadership of Marie Riordan, the organization is launching new awards and events aimed at recognizing the invaluable contributions of volunteers in the region.

Introducing the Volunteer of the Month Award

A highlight of this initiative is the introduction of the Volunteer of the Month (VOM) award. Sponsored by local businesses Westwill Properties and Kiwi Mosaic, this monthly recognition will shine a spotlight on one outstanding volunteer. Each recipient will be nominated for the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award, which will be presented during the Volunteer Recognition Awards on December 5, 2026. This date aligns with International Volunteer’s Day, making it a fitting occasion for celebration, especially as 2026 is recognized as International Volunteer Year (IVY2026).

During the previous year’s awards in June 2025, 98 volunteers were honored across various categories, including individuals, couples, teams, and youth. The addition of the VOM award aims to encourage organizations to recognize their dedicated volunteers and nominate them for these honors.

Celebrating Community Heroes

In addition to the monthly awards, Volunteering New Plymouth has made strides in recognizing local heroes through the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year program. Last November, nine of the sixteen awardees were honored with medals for their contributions to the community. Remarkably, Taranaki had the highest number of recipients, with 16 out of 100 total medallists across New Zealand. Among the local nominees, the Nielsen Family has advanced as a semifinalist for the Gala Awards, set to announce finalists in February 2026.

The organization also supports significant community events, such as the Special Children’s Extravaganza, held annually in August. This event, aimed at families with children facing challenges, successfully enlisted 24 volunteers from Sacred Heart Girls’ College and Francis Douglas Memorial College to assist with logistics and activities, showcasing the spirit of collaboration among local youth.

The extravaganza, sponsored by SKY, has been a cornerstone event in the region since 1998, engaging families and celebrating resilience.

Networking and Support for Volunteer Managers

Volunteering New Plymouth organizes quarterly morning teas for volunteer managers from non-profit organizations. These gatherings, sponsored by Age Concern Taranaki, provide a platform for sharing challenges and successes, fostering a supportive community among leaders in the sector.

Additionally, board members from various organizations convene for similar meetings, facilitating the exchange of insights and fostering connections. The final meeting of the year will take place at a local Starbucks, further emphasizing the community-focused approach of these initiatives.

Overall, Volunteering New Plymouth is committed to recognizing the hard work of volunteers and creating a culture of appreciation and support. With new awards, community events, and networking opportunities, the organization is paving the way for a vibrant volunteer landscape that will celebrate and uplift those who dedicate their time to serving others.