Key Takeaways
- The number of people seeking volunteer work has increased due to rising unemployment and cost of living.
- Community organizations are busier and need more helpers, but may have barriers to entry such as police checks and interviews.
- The SPCA has seen a 32% increase in volunteer applications, but has had to put a hold on accepting new volunteers in some areas.
- Volunteer work can provide valuable experience and skills, and can be a great way to stay connected with the community.
- Young people are increasingly seeking volunteer work experience to gain skills and references.
Introduction to the Trend
Over the last year, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people seeking volunteer work. This trend is largely attributed to the rising unemployment rate and the increasing cost of living, which has left many individuals looking for ways to stay engaged and active in their communities. As one community organization representative noted, "they are looking for work but doing volunteering while that process is taking place." This shift towards volunteering is not only a way for individuals to give back to their communities, but also a means of gaining valuable experience and skills that can be applied to future job opportunities.
Barriers to Volunteering
While volunteering may seem like an easy and accessible option, it’s not always a straightforward process. Many community organizations, such as the SPCA, require potential volunteers to undergo a police check, provide references, and participate in an interview. These barriers can be time-consuming and may deter some individuals from pursuing volunteer work. As McLachlan noted, "it’s actually the same barriers that a person might find in finding a job, can also apply to volunteering. It’s not always an easy option." Despite these challenges, many organizations are seeing an increase in volunteer applications, highlighting the willingness of individuals to contribute to their communities.
The SPCA’s Experience
The SPCA is one organization that has seen a significant increase in volunteer applications. Between June and November 2025, the organization received 1300 extra applications for volunteer roles, representing a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in interest has been welcomed by the organization, but has also presented some challenges. In some areas, the SPCA has had to put a hold on accepting new volunteers due to capacity constraints. As General Manager of Retail Cathy Crichton noted, "because the applications are up it’s a unique scenario. But at this point in time, in smaller locations, we’ve actually got a hold in 19 locations in New Zealand where we are at capacity – and that’s very rare and it’s a very new trend."
The Benefits of Volunteering
Despite the challenges, volunteering can provide numerous benefits for individuals, particularly young people. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain work experience, develop new skills, and build references that can be applied to future job opportunities. As Crichton noted, "it’s a great opportunity to get work experience and a reference and there’s an appeal there as an employer… I really do think it adds value to a CV." Additionally, volunteering can help individuals stay connected with their communities and meet new people, which can be particularly important during times of economic uncertainty.
The Rise of Young Volunteers
The SPCA has also seen an increase in young people seeking volunteer work experience. This trend is likely driven by the desire to gain skills and references that can be applied to future job opportunities. As Crichton noted, "there’s a willingness to give back and contribute to the community. Unemployment being high really does encourage people to engage with the workforce and get experience." This shift towards volunteering among young people is a positive trend, as it highlights their willingness to take initiative and develop new skills, even in the face of economic uncertainty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise in volunteer work is a trend that is likely to continue, driven by the increasing unemployment rate and cost of living. While there may be barriers to entry, volunteering can provide numerous benefits for individuals, including valuable experience, skills, and references. As community organizations continue to navigate this trend, it’s essential that they think creatively about how to engage with volunteers and provide opportunities for them to contribute to their communities. By doing so, we can harness the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers to build stronger, more resilient communities.