Youth
Volunteering is all about giving your time to help others – no pay, just passion. It’s a cool way to get involved, learn new things, and make a difference in your community.
You don’t need heaps of experience to get started. What you do have is fresh ideas, energy, and a different way of thinking which is exactly what many organisations are looking for.
Make a Difference
Volunteering lets you take action on the things that matter most to you. Whether it’s the environment, mental health, animals, or helping people – your time and passion can make a real impact.
Build Skills and Experience
Volunteering is an awesome way to figure out what you’re into and build skills along the way. You’ll get hands-on experience that looks great on your CV, learn things like communication, teamwork and time management, and meet people who can help with job or study goals. It’s also a cool way to try out different roles and see what feels like a good fit for you.
Grow Personally
It’s not just about the work – volunteering is good for you, too. It can boost your confidence, help you meet new people, and give you something positive to focus on. It’s also great for your mental wellbeing, and yep – it can actually be fun too.
And volunteering isn’t only about hands-on mahi – it can also mean stepping into youth leadership roles, being part of decision-making through youth reps or advisory groups, and having a real voice in shaping what happens in your community.
Choosing a role right for you
Not sure where to start? Here are a few things to think about before picking a role:
- What are you into?
Choose something that interests you – it’ll make the experience way more fun and rewarding. - How much time do you have?
Be realistic. It’s okay to start small – even a few hours can make a difference. - Where is the role based?
Can you get there easily? If you don’t have transport, look for something local or online. - What skills do you already have or want to build?
Volunteering is a great way to grow your strengths or try something new. - Are you comfortable with what’s expected?
Read the role description carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions! - What is the age requirement?
Some organisations have a minimum age (often 16+). If nothing suits your age, consider helping in your neighbourhood, at school, or with an adult.
How to Get Involved
- Search our website for roles that match your interests and schedule
- Talk to your school, uni, or training provider – they might run programmes or reward volunteer hours
- Join the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) -a great way to get involved and make a difference
- Reach out to local organisations you like – just ask if they need help
- Try one-off events – they’re an easy, low-pressure way to volunteer without a big time commitment
Keira’s Story: Young Heart, Big Impact
When Keira first signed up as a volunteer with the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty, she was just 14 years old. While most teens might have been relaxing after school, Keira was pulling on a hairnet and apron, ready to serve dinner and lend a hand with a smile at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge.
Every Monday evening, she showed up. For four years. Guests at the Lodge, many of whom are away from home while undergoing cancer treatment at Waikato Hospital, quickly came to know Keira not just for her help in the kitchen but for her warm, friendly presence. “Being a kitchen assistant at the Lodge is more than serving up dinner and clearing things away afterwards,” Keira says. “We make sure everyone’s all right and having a good time.”
Alongside her regular volunteering, Keira helped launch Daffodil Day fundraising at her school, St Peter’s, creating a platform others can now build on. She also got involved with Relay For Life 2024 and 2025, creating social media content that brought a fresh, student voice to the event.
Even now, as a full-time science student at Auckland University, she still finds time to give back, recently helping again at Relay For Life 2025. Her energy and enthusiasm have had a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow her lead. In fact, two new student volunteers at the Lodge signed up after hearing about Keira’s impact.
She once said, “We think we don’t have much of an impact because, you know, we’re just kids…” But anyone who’s met her knows Keira is proof that age has nothing to do with making a difference.
Sandidi’s Story: Why Not Start Now?
Sanidi began volunteering in Year 9 after noticing a need in her school community and deciding to do something about it. She started by helping in the school’s Kai Kitchen, providing breakfast to students and their families. From there, her involvement grew.
She began tutoring and helping out at the K Centre, an after-school programme for children that offers a range of activities including ballet, which Sanidi taught herself.
As time went on, Sanidi’s volunteering extended beyond school. She now gives her time to the Red Cross shop and The Serve Trust, and in December you’ll find her wrapping gifts as part of Volunteering Waikato’s Christmas Gift Wrapping fundraiser.
Her advice to other high school students is to start volunteering early, before Year 13. She believes that when you begin young, you are more likely to volunteer just to help and to discover what you are passionate about.
Liam’s Story: From School Garden to Community Advocate
Liam’s journey started small, helping tidy up the garden at his primary school. That simple act sparked a love for giving back, which grew into conservation projects and, eventually, the creation of his own organisation: Ride Your Trike NZ.
Through Ride Your Trike NZ, he now shares that experience with others—helping people who, because of age, disability, or a need for extra stability, might struggle on a regular bike. His goal is simple: to give everyone the chance to enjoy the fun of cycling.
His volunteering has always focused on creating a community where everyone can participate. That passion even led him into local politics this year, volunteering with the Sarah Thomas for Mayor campaign to help give accessibility a bigger voice in local decisions.
He gives roughly 40 to 50 hours every week to causes he believes in. Volunteering isn’t just something he does; it’s his lifestyle.