Key Takeaways
- Charities in New Zealand are experiencing a surge in volunteer applications, with some organizations receiving thousands of applications for unpaid roles.
- The increase in volunteer applications is linked to the high rate of unemployment, with many people seeking experience and skills to improve their job prospects.
- Community organizations are busier than ever, with a growing need for helpers to support social services.
- Some charities are having to turn away volunteers due to limited capacity, with some locations reaching maximum capacity.
- Volunteering is seen as a way to gain work experience, build connections, and enhance CVs, particularly for young people.
Introduction to the Trend
Charities in New Zealand are facing an unprecedented influx of volunteer applications, with many organizations struggling to cope with the demand. According to Volunteering NZ, a significant rise in applications for volunteer roles has been observed across a range of charities. This trend is attributed to the high rate of unemployment, which has led to a surge in people seeking experience and skills to improve their job prospects. As a result, many charities are having to turn away volunteers, with some locations reaching maximum capacity.
The Rise in Volunteer Applications
The SPCA, a well-known charity in New Zealand, has reported a 32% increase in volunteer applications from June to November 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This translates to an additional 1,300 applications, with many people seeking to gain experience and skills in areas such as animal care and retail. Cathy Crichton, General Manager of Retail at the SPCA, notes that the increase in applications is a "unique scenario" and that the organization is grateful for the interest. However, she also acknowledges that the charity is having to be more selective in its recruitment process, with some locations reaching maximum capacity.
Barriers to Volunteering
While volunteering is often seen as a way to gain experience and skills, it is not always an easy option. Margaret McLachlan, Spokesperson for Volunteering NZ, notes that the process of becoming a volunteer can be similar to finding a job, with many organizations requiring police checks, reference checks, and interviews. This can be a barrier for some people, particularly those who are seeking to volunteer as a way to gain experience and skills. Additionally, many charities have limited capacity, which can make it difficult for them to accept new volunteers.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Despite the challenges, volunteering is seen as a valuable way to gain experience and skills, particularly for young people. Crichton notes that volunteering is a great opportunity to get work experience, build connections, and enhance CVs. Additionally, volunteering is a way to stay connected with the community and meet new people. According to Stats NZ data, over half of New Zealanders (53%) volunteered during March 2025, with many people volunteering through organizations or directly for another person.
The Link to Unemployment
The high rate of unemployment in New Zealand is seen as a key factor in the surge in volunteer applications. With an unemployment rate of 5.3% in the September quarter, many people are seeking ways to gain experience and skills to improve their job prospects. Volunteering is seen as a way to do this, while also contributing to the community. McLachlan notes that as unemployment increases, people are more likely to seek out volunteer opportunities as a way to gain experience and skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the surge in volunteer applications in New Zealand is a complex issue, driven by a range of factors including the high rate of unemployment. While charities are grateful for the interest, they are also facing challenges in managing the demand. As the unemployment rate continues to rise, it is likely that the demand for volunteer opportunities will also increase. As such, it is essential for charities and community organizations to be proactive in managing the demand, while also ensuring that volunteers are able to gain the experience and skills they need to improve their job prospects.