Vince Cocurullo: Volunteers are the heartbeat of Whangārei

A community planting day collaboration between Bupa retirement village and Totara Grove School last month.

Opinion

Opinion

Growing up, I, like many of us, attended Scouts, Pathfinders, and other service youth groups. One of the biggest things you are taught is it is always better to give than receive, and when growing up in a time where money was in short supply, volunteering was a great way to give back with your time and energy.

June 15 to 21 is National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate the incredible volunteering spirit that thrives in our beautiful district. This week is an awesome time to acknowledge the selfless contributions of our volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and skills to make Whangārei a better place for all. It is easy to say ‘I don’t have the time for that’, yet how often do we waste time watching TV or looking at social media, when we could be living life, instead of watching others do that?

Volunteering is more than just an act of kindness; it is a cornerstone of our community’s wellbeing. It has been shown that volunteering can significantly boost mental health, reduce stress, and increase happiness and fulfilment. It provides a sense of purpose and belonging, which are essential for our overall wellbeing.

Every act of volunteering also contributes to a healthier, happier community, whether it’s at local events, being involved in sports or clubs, supporting our elderly, or participating in rubbish and roadside clean-ups.

From a local council perspective, I am always extremely grateful for our community volunteers, as they play a crucial role in keeping our district looking great and functioning well. From those who take the initiative to clear clogged drains or culverts during and after severe weather events, to those who help at our libraries, museums, and hospices. Your efforts make all the difference. You are the people who make our district shine. Thank you.

One of the most remarkable aspects of volunteering is its ability to strengthen communities. Statistics gathered from Stats NZ 2023 General Social Survey (with updates from 2025) show that volunteers provide 231 million hours of formal volunteer labour annually, with more than half of New Zealanders (53%) having volunteered during February-March 2025. During that time, 27.6% volunteered through an organisation and 40.8% volunteered directly for another person. In Whangārei, our volunteers are the glue that holds our community together, creating a network of care and support that benefits everyone.

Just like when I was younger, in these strange financial times, volunteering is a way to make a difference.

By giving our time and energy, we can lift some of the pressures that come with rising costs and economic challenges, supporting each other, sharing resources, and building a community that stands strong together.

As your mayor and someone who is an active volunteer, I encourage everyone to take part in National Volunteer Week. Whether you can spare a few hours or commit to a regular volunteering role, your contribution makes a difference. Let’s celebrate the spirit of volunteering and recognise the incredible impact our volunteers have on our community.

Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication and generosity. You are the heartbeat of our district, and your efforts are deeply appreciated.

National Volunteer Week is a great time to try a volunteer role! Find volunteer opportunities at www.volunteeringnorthland.nz