Rotorua has a new volunteer centre with the launch of Volunteer Rotorua - a central hub for those who freely give their time to the community and non-profit organisations.
More than 60 people attended the official opening at its new base at Te Whare Hauora o Ngongotaha yesterday. Guest speakers included Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, Volunteering New Zealand chief executive Vanessa Dhiru and hauora general manager and the newly appointed manager of Volunteer Rotorua, Rob Beckett.
"It means a heck of lot because Rotorua has been devoid of a volunteer centre until now," Mr Beckett said. "Some organisations have volunteer co-ordinators but some don't, so it is about assisting with the co-ordination of volunteers from different groups around."
The centre is starting a register of people who want to volunteer their time and will build a database of non-profit organisations who may be in need.
"I don't think there is necessarily a lack of volunteers but places like Events and Venues or Sport Bay of Plenty have their own database of people who can help out during an event. Where there is a gap is volunteer co-ordinators working in isolation, so we're looking to have a monthly or bi-monthly meetings to support one another," Mr Beckett said.