Go MAD about Waiheke!
Listed here are a number of Waiheke-based organisations, groups and projects, each dedicated to preserving and enhancing the island’s community and/or environment. These groups are looking for volunteers to become involved in their activities and help to achieve their objectives. Find a good match for your interests and start making a difference today!
Waiheke Projects, Groups & Organisations
What does Artworks Community Theatre do?
Artworks Theatre is the local performing arts hub owned and operated by the community for the community. We take great pleasure in providing a platform for both local and professional artists for entertainment, ranging from theatrical plays, musicals, musicians, orchestra, singing, dance, comedy, concerts, bands, workshops, rehearsals, kids’ shows and more.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We need volunteers to meet & greet, work the box office, help with seat allocations, provide bar assistance, work curtains, etc. Volunteers receive complimentary access to the show and a beverage to enjoy whilst doing volunteering. The time commitment varies on a show-to-show basis, but is usually about two hours.
Who to contact
Jemma Peterson / manager@artworkstheatre.org.nz / 09 372 2941
Website: https://artworkstheatre.org.nz/
What does Citizens Advice Bureau do?
At CAB Waiheke we try to help people to know and understand their rights and obligations and how to use this information to get the best outcomes. We provide people with the confidence and support they need to take action, and work for positive social change within communities and wider society. We provide a free and independent service to all, including helping with tenancy, immigration, employment, consumer affairs, family and personal issues, and travel and transport needs.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers are rostered for a three hour shift each week between 9:30am and 3:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday, where they use a comprehensive intranet database to address client enquiries. These range from what to do about low hanging electrical wires on their property to tenancy questions related to landlords upholding their contact.
All volunteers receive extensive training, beginning with five induction sessions and seven probation sessions which are mandatory for all volunteers before they begin working with our clients. Sessions such as “Guide to Consumer Credit Contracts” and “Guide to Housing Matters” are provided with the kaupapa that clients are at the centre of all we do.
Who to contact: Claire Stainton / manager.waiheke@cab.org.nz / 09 372 8124
What does Cycle Action Waiheke do?
CAW advocates for cycling infrastructure on Waiheke, creating fun activities for kids and adults and hosts an annual cycling festival. We would love some new members!
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Members will help with planning roads and parties, and the occasional meeting.
Who to contact
Xan Hamilton / xan@susiesays.co.nz / 027 510 1134
Extinction Rebellion Waiheke
What does Extinction Rebellion Waiheke do?
Extinction Rebellion Waiheke is working with urgency to illustrate that we need to save the planet within 11 years. ERW volunteers create behaviour change through making regular contact with the public, providing resources and lobbying decision makers.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We need volunteers to engage with shoppers outside grocery stores, attend and lobby Local Board meetings to raise climate and environmental issues, give talks, join in letter writing, attend protests, etc.
Who to contact
Robyn Bailey / bailbark@gmail.com / 021 082 74795
What does Forest & Bird Hauraki Islands do?
We manage 120 hectares of bush in three different reserves on Waiheke. Our focus locally is on restoring native biodiversity in our reserves and supporting other community projects with this focus. We also run events including walks and talks, and support Native Bird Rescue in protecting nests during the fledgling season.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
There are regular volunteer opportunities to help with planting and weeding. We'd love some support with fundraising, graphic design work, being a volunteer at events or helping out at the Forest and Bird stall. We're also interested in people with an interest in conservation or bush work for some paid opportunities. Training is provided. We can often subsidise the ferry fares for people coming from town.
Plantings occur every couple of weeks in the Winter and are usually on weekends. Events are monthly. Volunteers need to do a health and safety induction. We're particularly keen to work with people who want to develop a stronger understanding of the the natural environment and extend their skills.
Who to contact
Hue Ross / findhue@gmail.com / 021 141 0183
Website: https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/branches/hauraki-islands
What does Friends of McKenzie Reserve do?
The Friends of McKenzie Reserve was formed in 2003 by a group of neighbours and Waiheke environmentalists. Together a vision was developed to replace 500 aged pine trees with an educational botanic reserve for the community to enjoy.
Owned by Auckland City Council, McKenzie Reserve is a small (4 hectare) coastal reserve that overlooks Enclosure Bay on the scenic northern coast of Waiheke Island.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers will help with weeding, track-making, spreading mulch, planting natives (June/July only), and development of educational resources. We welcome corporate or community groups - whenever suits you best - and have two-hour working bees from March/April to October. TFOMR Facebook page is the best place to find dates and times. Please wear gloves and bring water and tools if you have them; TFOMR has some extra tools. Long-sleeved tops and pants and sturdy boots/shoes are advised.
Who to contact
Niki Shuck / niki@nsprltd.com / 021 911 332
Website: www.facebook.com/TFOMR
What does Hospice Homecare do?
Hospice Waiheke Homecare offers support for patients and their families caring for loved ones with terminal illness.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers could be involved in relieving the usual caregiver, providing body work, recording patients’ life stories, taking patients on outings. Volunteers would need to have the use of their own vehicle to get to patients’ homes and take them on outings.
Are there any costs of volunteering?
Volunteers cover the expense of their petrol. The volunteer time commitment varies from 1-6 hours per week.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Volunteers would need to be able to come alongside people as they negotiate their end of life, without judgement, supporting patients’ decisions for what they choose for themselves. Training is provided.
Who to contact
Margaret Macleod / waihekehospice@xtra.co.nz / 09 372 7131
Website: hospicewaihekehomecare.co.nz
What does the Jassy Dean Trust do?
The Jassy Dean Trust raises funds to care for Waiheke children’s health and well-being. We directly support families when a child is sick, injured or has a long-term health condition or disability. All Waiheke families who have an under-18-year-old child with a health-related need are eligible to apply for assistance. We also work closely with schools and health providers on the island.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We welcome volunteers to get involved with our fun community events, including the Jassy Dean Trust Garden Festival in November each year. Volunteers receive a Garden Festival pass, and you will need your own transport. The time commitment is 4 hours if you are helping at the Garden Festival. We also welcome new members on our fundraising committee.
Our volunteers are a friendly, helpful and flexible bunch! You need to enjoy being in a garden and welcoming visitors, but no special knowledge is required.
Who to contact
Fiona Gregory / hello@jassydeantrust.org
Website: www.jassydeantrust.org
Kaitiaki of Newton Reserve (KNR)
What does Katiaki of Newton Reserve do?
KNR cares for the public reserve that runs along the coast from Little Oneroa to Fisherman's Rock and up Newton Valley to the intersection of Queens Drive and Newton Road. We plant eco-sourced natives, remove noxious plant species, and control pests including rats and rabbits.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work? KNR weeds in summer and plants in winter, at working bees held on the second Sunday of each month, starting at 10am. We provide lunch and a cold beer afterwards, but there is no other reimbursement.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
It is physical work, requiring sturdy shoes and often gumboots in the wetter months.
Who to contact
Bronwyn Carruthers / bron.carruthers@xtra.co.nz / 021 685 809
What does Kelp Gardeners do?
Our volunteers scuba dive and snorkel on some seabed sites we call kelp gardens, to remove kina and give the seaweed and kelp a chance to regenerate.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers will scuba dive and snorkel, giving as much time as you are able to give.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Scuba divers will need to be certified with recent experience. Snorkelers need to be strong swimmers. Everyone does an orientation and checkout dive/snorkel with us before being accepted as a volunteer.
Who to contact
Mark Russell / mark@songsofourfuture.com / 021 456 891
What does Once Upon An Island Charitable Trust do?
Once Upon an Island Charitable Trust creates events, workshops, classes and performances for the children of Waiheke and their families. These have included festivals, environmental education programmes and fundraisers for other island communities.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers will help set up and run events, share information, creative making of props. We don’t have a regular schedule of events.
Are there any costs of volunteering?
There are short travel distances, where a vehicle may be required. Sometimes there may be budget where koha can go towards petrol or travel.
Who to contact
Tanya Batt / storycentre@gmail.com / 021 432 379
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Once-Upon-An-Island-Trust-261648697197862/
What does Te Korowai O Waiheke do?
Te Korowai o Waiheke is a charitable trust established by the local community to eradicate predators from our beautiful island. The first part of the project is stoat eradication island wide.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers review trail camera footage, help get the stoat traps ready, e.g. drilling holes to attach the weka protectors. There are no physical requirements to review trail camera footage, but volunteers need to be able to use a drill to for the stoat traps. Volunteer’s time varies between 2-4 hours per week.
Who to contact
Jenny Holmes / info@tekorowaiowaiheke.org / 027 712 0384
Website: www.tekorowaiowaiheke.org
What does the Toy Library Waiheke Island do?
We are a toy and equipment hire service for children aged 0-12 years old, aiming to reduce financial burden to families on the island by providing high quality toys, safety equipment such as car seats, and life jackets at a low cost. We are based at the Old Surfdale Post Office.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers help once every six weeks for 3 hours on a Saturday morning, alongside another volunteer. They are trained on the toy lending system, and set up the library, help families find suitable toys, and pack down for closing. Volunteers also attend the volunteer meeting once every three months. Great customer service skills and reliability are essential for this role.
Who to contact
Catalina Aspinall / toylibrarywaiheke@gmail.com / 021 0234 5042
What does Wonderful Waiheke Women do?
W3 was established in 2015 with the aim of connecting women together on Waiheke Island. We meet approximately every six weeks and for varied activities to get women of all stages of life and ages connecting. It might be enjoying a glass of wine; shared platters and listening to an inspirational woman speaking; or a walk, live theatre or a film: we’ve even had a fashion show featuring W3 women modelling.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Our events are member-driven on a voluntary basis. We never know quite what the next event might be, and are very happy to have any W3 woman organise an event. If you have an idea that would work for an event, we would love to work with you to make this happen.
There is no membership fee, and we advise how you RSVP and pay with each event.
Events are posted on the Facebook page. You can email Josie Rainer at jhahrainer@gmail.com to join the database; to know more, email Niki Schuck at niki@nsprltd.com
Who to contact
Niki Schuck / niki@nsprltd.com / 021 911 332
Website: www.facebook.com/W3WaihekeWomen/
What does the Waiheke Community Art Gallery do?
Waiheke Community Art Gallery is a contemporary non-profit art gallery with rotating exhibits, community events and a gift shop.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We need volunteers for a variety of tasks, and look for self-starters and those who can see jobs that need to be done and achieve them.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Volunteers should enjoy talking to visitors and introducing gallery exhibitions, as well as engaging with a diverse audience, members, visitors and artists, creating lasting impressions on their Waiheke visit.
The gallery needs those who have the ability to pack and unpack artworks and with care, are willing to learn to use Retail Manager, accurately prepare banking and are happy to Interview visitors for gallery surveys.
Flexibility to take on any job during the gallery exhibition cycle is a must, and the gallery values that you make a contribution using your own skill set.
Who to contact
Linda Chalmers / 09 372 9907
Website: https://www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz
What does Waiheke Community Childcare do?
Our Centre is a small not-for-profit organisation with a Parent Committee that provides childcare for children under 6. Our philosophy is strongly linked to nature, and we provide a Bush School programme for our children three mornings a week. Established in 1982, the Centre took over the management of the Ostend Market and continues to operate it on a weekly basis.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers will be able to help in a variety of daily tasks within the centre - reading books, teaching music/yoga, help at shared meal times etc. as well as accompanying teachers at Bush School at the regional park or helping out at the markets. Bush School Programme volunteers may use their own transportation or use transport from the Centre.
Time commitment is flexible: The Centre is open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Bush School runs Mon-Wed mornings, working bees are generally on the weekends, and the Market is every Sat morning.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
The level of physical fitness is dependent on the task (e.g. walking at Bush School or reading to children). Volunteers will also be police vetted and an identity check will be carried out for safety purposes.
Who to contact
Kathy Gardam / waicomcentre@xtra.co.nz / 09 372 6115
Website: http://www.waihekecommunitychildcare.co.nz/Resources/Default.htm
What does Waiheke Community Cinema do?
Waiheke Community Cinema brings the latest movies to the Waiheke community.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers will check stock, sell tickets and cash up at the start and end of shows, and help staff to tidy up afterwards, if required. On completions of a session the volunteer gets a complimentary ticket to see a movie of their choice (restrictions apply).
Volunteers work approximately three hours a week/fortnight/month depending upon the volunteer’s availability and need.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Volunteers need to be confident in dealing with the general public, cash handling, and Eftpos. Full training will be provided.
Who to contact
Jane Scarles / waihekecinema@gmail.com / 09 372 8701
Website: www.waihekecinema.kiwi
What does the Waiheke Historical Society do?
We operate the Museum of Waiheke (on Onetangi Straight), and provide events of historical interest to the community.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers will help with hosting visitors to the museum; archiving; museum management.
Are there any costs of volunteering?
There are no costs involved in volunteering, although we encourage people to become Society members ($20/year). Volunteering time averages approximately four hours per month.
Who to contact
Mark James / tmarkjames@yahoo.com / 022 066 0175
Website: www.waihekemuseum.org.nz
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/waihekemuseum
What does Waiheke Island Volunteer Fire Brigade do?
Waiheke Island Fire Brigade is a volunteer-driven first responder organisation that depends upon the community for volunteers and resources, providing help to the greater Waiheke community in times of need.
How are volunteers involved in this organisation's work?
Almost anybody can join a volunteer fire brigade, male or female, young or old, those looking for adventure or those who want to contribute to their community. The minimum application age for a volunteer is 16 with parental/guardian consent, or 18 and above.
We’re committed to a supportive, inclusive and respectful working environment. We understand that our strength draws from our diversity, support for one another and community connection. We welcome applicants regardless of gender, age, ethnicity and educational background, and are stronger for having members with a variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills.
Volunteer firefighters’ duties include firefighting - structure and/or vegetation wildfire; medical response; weather emergencies; hazardous substances response; motor vehicle incidents; other incidents.
Operational support volunteers help the station with people and traffic control; scene protection and salvage; first aid; transporting equipment; assisting the incident controller; other supporting duties.
Brigade and community support volunteers may help the station with administrative support; carrying out Secretary or Treasurer duties; promotional and educational activities; recruitment; brigade logistics; other support the station may require.
Full training will be given in each of the areas for which you choose to volunteer.
Who to contact
Oneroa Station: 09 372 8473
Website: https://fireandemergency.nz
What does Waiheke Ratbusters do?
Waiheke Ratbusters conducts monitoring, baiting and trapping island-wide on Waiheke to protect our native species.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We need volunteers to help with putting out monitor cards overnight to collect in critter footprints; baiting or trapping along a council walkway or in a reserve; helping a community project, neighbourhood or school with pest control. Other volunteer options are to organise supplies, interact with neighbourhood groups, input data and H & S.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Volunteers must have a reasonable level of fitness and love of the outdoors. No experience in pest control necessary.
Are there any costs of volunteering?
Volunteers will need to pay for their own petrol and peanut butter, but everything else is supplied.
The time commitment varies, but most commonly we 'pulse' every 3 months, i.e. together monitor and bait then bring in old bait one month later. Trapping can be more intensive but more rewarding too!
Who to contact
Sally Horwood / sallyhorwoodconservation@gmail.com / 027 859 1080
What does Waiheke Resources Trust do?
A wide range of environmental and sustainability focused projects offering volunteering opportunities, skilled field work, office work, and training opportunities. Stop by the offices of the Waiheke Resources Trust found within the Waiheke Sustainability Centre, Mako Street, Oneroa.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We need help with planting and weeding of Waiheke wetlands, composting, water testing, food prep, grant writing and more. Typically volunteering ranges between 2-6 hours.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Volunteers should be reasonably physically fit. Knowledge base in any of the afore-mentioned volunteering capacities is welcomed but not necessary.
Lunch is provided on Fridays at the Kai Conscious Cafe.
Who to contact
Kristin Busher / info@wrt.org.nz / 09 372 2915
Website: www.wrt.org.nz
What does Waiheke Walking Festival do?
The Waiheke Walking Festival is a free event held in November each year across Waiheke Island, on private and public land.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers would guide and be a support team for walks, talk to visitors to Waiheke, liaise with local landowners, have fun! There will also be opportunities to help at events with event logistics, serving food and organising large groups of people.
Volunteers are welcome to give as much or as little time as they have available, and would enjoy being outdoors, are happy to walk in rain or sunshine and would feel comfortable saying hello and having a chat with people they have just met. We offer training in all aspects of the role including health and safety training.
Who to contact
Vicki Angland / vicki@waihekewalkingfestival.org / 021 960 690
Website: https://waihekewalkingfestival.org
What does Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust do?
The Waiheke Working Sail Charitable Trust is repurposing the ‘Kate’ to preserve the tradition and skills of tall ship sailing and maintenance while adapting it to present needs for Youth Development and tourism.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
We’re looking for volunteers for carpentry, rigging and eventually sailing, with the aim of getting the Kate sailing this coming summer. We are also looking for help in publicising our fundraising campaigns on the website and social media (Facebook, website updates, crowd funding) and fundraising.
Who to contact
Bernard Rhodes / bernard.rhodes@gmail.com / 027 228 1334
website: www.waihekeworkingsail.org
What does Whittakers Musical Museum do?
Located in the Artworks Complex, Whittakers Musical Museum hosts live concerts, as well as offers casual visits and guided group tours with presentation.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Volunteers would help with meeting and greeting visitors and showing them around the collection of antique and unusual instruments, taking phone messages, recording cash sales, donations and concert bookings. Generally keeping the Museum well presented.
Volunteers would attend orientation and train with the Volunteer Coordinator. Some responsibilities would be learning to use Eftpos machine & to keep accurate records of Cash & Eftpos payments and donations received; becoming familiar with history of the museum and its instruments. (Video and written material available on loan to volunteers; other information in folders to consult in Museum.) Maintaining security of the museum, including keeping door code confidential. A willingness to learn good health and safety procedures and to act as warden in the event of an emergency.
The time commitment would be one rostered duty of 3 hours once a week or fortnight depending on availability. Most important is an interest in and enjoyment of music and musical instruments and willingness to share this with visitors.
Although there are no costs involved in being a volunteer, all volunteers are encouraged to become a Friend of the museum for an annual subscription of $30.
All Volunteers get free entry to all Live at Five Concerts for which the entry fee would otherwise be $25. With 10-12 concerts per year this represents a substantial saving for music lovers.
Who to contact
Ann Jocelyn Kinghorn / annjocelyn1@gmail.com / 0212167752
Website: www.musicalmuseum.org
What does WISCA do?
Wisca helps Waiheke with responsible pet ownership. offering de-sexing, advice and support services!
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
As one of the busiest retail establishments on the island, we need help sorting donations for our Op Shop, working with animals, raffle selling, maybe even making a cuppa!
We ask that people commit at least 3 hours per week, but we are always open to discussion about the time you are able to commit. All we require is a can-do attitude and a happy personality. It can get very cramped at times, so we all need to be able to smile and carry on!
Who to contact
Michell Hopkins / michell@wisca.co.nz / 027 539 5107
Website: http://www.wisca.co.nz
Zero Waste at Ostend Market
What does Zero Waste at Ostend Market do?
The weekly Saturday Ostend Market (Belgium St) has become the first Zero Waste Market in New Zealand. Zero Waste means diverting waste from landfill, instead sorting what would be waste into compost, recyclable, and, lastly, landfill.
How are volunteers involved in the organisation’s work?
Zero Waste stations at the market are supervised by volunteers, who help market visitors to sort their waste correctly, explain the different categories of waste in NZ and what happens to them after they end up in the bin. Volunteers also educate visitors about how to divert waste from landfill by demonstrating with market waste, discussing eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics and promoting composting methods such as hot composting, worm farms, Bokashi composting and more!
Volunteers can sign up for a Saturday shift on the roster. Shifts are 2.25 hours long: 9-11:15 or 11:15-1pm, and you can sign up to as many or as few shifts as you like. Volunteers are required to bring their own hats, sunscreen, raincoats and other weather-appropriate gear, and should bring their own reusable drink bottle.
Volunteers are reimbursed with a $10 market food voucher per shift, donated by the Ostend Market.
Do volunteers need any particular skills?
Volunteers should be confident in speaking to others and promoting zero waste.
Who to contact
Paul Mason / wasteeducator@gmail.com
