Key Takeaways:
- Charities in New Zealand are experiencing a surge in volunteer applications, with some organizations receiving thousands of applications for volunteer roles.
- The increase in volunteer applications is linked to the high rate of unemployment, with many people seeking experience and skills to add to their CV.
- Some charities are having to turn away volunteers due to high demand, with 19 SPCA locations at capacity.
- Volunteering can provide valuable work experience, skills, and references, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their employability.
- Community organizations are in need of volunteers to support social services, but may have barriers to entry such as police checks and interviews.
Introduction to the Trend
The current economic climate in New Zealand has led to a significant increase in people seeking volunteer work. According to Volunteering NZ spokesperson Margaret McLachlan, charities are experiencing a flood of interest in volunteer roles, with many applications coming from individuals who are currently unemployed and looking to gain experience. This trend is not surprising, given the high rate of unemployment in the country, which rose to 5.3 percent in the September quarter, leaving 160,000 people jobless. As a result, many people are turning to volunteering as a way to gain skills, build their CV, and stay connected with their community.
The Rise in Volunteer Applications
The SPCA is one organization that has seen a significant increase in volunteer applications, with a 32 percent rise in applications from June to November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. General manager of retail Cathy Crichton attributes this increase to the high rate of unemployment, stating that people are looking for ways to gain experience and skills to add to their CV. The SPCA has received over 1,300 extra applications for volunteer roles, resulting in 19 locations being at capacity and unable to accept any more volunteers. This is a unique scenario for the organization, and one that highlights the challenges of managing a high volume of volunteer applications.
Barriers to Volunteering
While volunteering can be a valuable way to gain experience and skills, it is not always an easy option. According to McLachlan, many community organizations have barriers to entry, such as police checks and interviews, which can be time-consuming and may deter some people from applying. Additionally, some organizations may require references or other forms of verification, which can be a challenge for those who are new to volunteering. Despite these barriers, many people are still eager to volunteer, and organizations are encouraging them to think creatively about the skills they can offer, such as administration or marketing.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering can provide a range of benefits, including valuable work experience, skills, and references. For young people, in particular, volunteering can be a great way to gain experience and build their CV, making them more attractive to potential employers. Crichton notes that volunteering can also provide an opportunity to meet new people and stay connected with the community, which is especially important during times of economic uncertainty. Furthermore, volunteering can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can be especially important for those who are struggling to find paid employment.
The State of Volunteering in New Zealand
According to Stats NZ data, over half of New Zealanders (53 percent) volunteered during March 2025, with 27.6 percent volunteering through an organization and 40.8 percent volunteering directly for another person. This data highlights the importance of volunteering in New Zealand, and the role it plays in supporting community organizations and social services. As the country continues to experience high levels of unemployment, it is likely that volunteering will remain a popular option for those looking to gain experience, skills, and connections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current trend of increased volunteer applications in New Zealand is a complex issue, driven by a range of factors including high unemployment and a desire to gain experience and skills. While some charities are struggling to manage the high volume of applications, others are encouraging people to think creatively about the skills they can offer and to consider volunteering as a way to build their CV and stay connected with their community. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of economic uncertainty, volunteering is likely to remain an important part of the social fabric of New Zealand, providing valuable support to community organizations and social services, and offering a range of benefits to those who participate.