"The Kiwi Trust has grown from a very small to a major organisation but has reached a tipping point where volunteers need more structure and direction.
"Volunteering Bay of Plenty specialises in marrying organisations and individuals with coordinated work programmes, advice and ongoing support. The Kiwi Trust has done a fantastic job to date thanks to its core of volunteers - through this contract with the council we aim to help the Trust and other organisations grow the amount they can achieve through volunteer strength and expertise."
Mr Ursum said the volunteering world was changing from an older workforce willing to give their time and skills, to a younger force who have passion.
Volunteering Bay of Plenty is expected to help the Kiwi Trust define and channel volunteers' passion into specific roles and identify skills so that volunteers are placed in the best positions within the organisation.
Council relationships advisor Glenn Ayo said the partnership was a win-win for the Trust.
"Volunteering Bay of Plenty provides consistent recruitment practices, management and continuity for the trust. It ensures volunteers are looked after; get a quality induction and the right opportunities for their own personal development.
"We have this incredible virgin forest protection programme on our doorstep so this new approach to volunteering will be more inclusive of people in Tauranga and Western Bay. This, in turn, will attract more interest from the philanthropic sector funders and sponsors."
