Job Seekers

MaryAnne’s Story: Right Place, Right Time

When MaryAnne found herself without a job, she knew she needed to keep busy. Back in her homeland, she had worked six days a week, so adjusting to life without work was difficult. The answer came to her quickly: volunteering.

Before long, MaryAnne had filled her time with several volunteer roles. She gave her time to the Refugee Orientation Centre, The Salvation Army, Hamilton Hearing Association, Wondernauts, and even joined the Christmas Gift Wrapping fundraiser.

Then one day it happened, the moment every job seeker hopes for. During a chat with another volunteer while wrapping gifts, MaryAnne mentioned she was looking for work. Her fellow volunteer replied, “I know someone who’s hiring, and I think you’d be great.” A few phone calls later, MaryAnne had a part-time job.

But finding work wasn’t the main reason she volunteered. For MaryAnne, it was about learning and growing. Through her volunteering, she not only improved her English but also gained confidence, built connections, and discovered new skills.

Her biggest learning from volunteering, and her advice to others thinking about giving it a go, is to adapt to the environment you are in. Learn how things are done, open your mind to diverse communities, and be willing to try something new. “Learn to help,” she says, “because volunteering is a two-way exchange. You must grow. But the core purpose of volunteering is to help.”

She also encourages others to find something they truly enjoy and to do it with heart. “Finish what you’ve agreed to with the organisation,” she says. “As volunteers, we also need to think about the organisation’s needs. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what will happen if you don’t show up. Be responsible.”

Volunteering has a special place in MaryAnne’s heart, and she continues to give her time even while working.

Sometimes being in the right place at the right time works out, but more often having the right heart works out even better.

Leidy’s Story: From Refugee to Red Cross Support Worker

Ten years ago, Leidy arrived in New Zealand as a refugee. The Red Cross came alongside her, offering support as she settled into her new home and adjusted to life in a new country. Today, in a beautiful full circle moment, Leidy now works for Red Cross herself, supporting refugees who have just arrived on Aotearoa’s shores. Her journey to this point has been one of hard work, learning, and determination.

When she first arrived, Leidy knew she needed to get involved in her new community. She began learning English and finding ways to support herself. Over time, her curiosity and desire to understand people led her to study psychology and criminology.

Now, in her role at Red Cross, Leidy not only helps others settle into their new lives but also encourages people to volunteer. Having been a volunteer herself, she knows first hand what makes the experience meaningful for both volunteers and the organisations that support them.

Leidy believes volunteering while at university is an excellent way to gain experience and connection. She encourages volunteers to be loyal to the organisations they work with, to commit fully to their roles, and to work hard. “Volunteering teaches you responsibility and opens doors you never expect,” she says.

For organisations, her strongest message is to take the time to understand the culture of their volunteers. “Learn what community means to them,” she explains. “As you teach them, let them teach you. It is so beautiful what you can learn and understand.”

She shares an example that highlights the importance of this cultural understanding. In some cultures, the concept of taking sick days does not exist. If someone does not turn up, they might no longer be welcome back. Recognising and discussing these cultural differences can make a huge difference for both volunteers and organisations, helping build empathy, trust, and stronger connections.

Leidy’s story is a reminder that volunteering can change lives in more ways than one, sometimes giving back leads us right back to where it all began.

Nandhitha's Story: Finding Purpose in the In-Between

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves in between. In between jobs, homes, careers, countries, or even languages. These in-between moments can feel uncertain, but they also offer something precious: time.

That’s exactly where Nandhitha found herself when she moved from India to New Zealand to complete her Master’s in Business Administration. With her studies taking up only two days a week, she suddenly had extra time, and she wanted to do something useful with it.

After exploring the Volunteering Waikato website, Nandhitha discovered opportunities that matched her skills and interests. She soon began teaching English at Shama Ethnic Women’s Centre and volunteering as an Adventure Buddy with Recreate NZ.

For nine months, she balanced her studies with these volunteer roles, forming connections and making a real difference in the lives of others. One of her English students, for example, was so attached to her class that she burst into tears when she had to miss a session. It was a true testament to the impact Nandhitha had made in such a short time.

Now, as she prepares to move to Wellington for full-time work, Nandhitha reflects fondly on her volunteering journey. “If you ever find yourself in an in-between moment,” she says, “go out and contribute your time. You’ll feel the difference, not just in those you help, but in yourself. Invest your time in something good.”

And sometimes, when you do good, it finds its way back to you. In Nandhitha’s case, Shama provided a reference that helped her secure her new job, showing how giving your time can open unexpected doors.