Twenty years of connection, generosity and community impact
In 2006, Volunteering Hawke’s Bay opened its doors with a simple but important purpose: to connect people who wanted to help with organisations that needed their time, skills and experience.
Twenty years later, that purpose remains at the heart of what we do.
To mark our 20th anniversary, we have created a special commemorative booklet celebrating the people, stories, partnerships and milestones that have shaped Volunteering Hawke’s Bay from 2006 to 2026.
A story shaped by people
The booklet tells the story of how Volunteering Hawke’s Bay grew from an idea and feasibility study into an organisation supporting volunteers and community organisations across the region.
It recognises founding manager Renata Lehmann and the early champions who helped establish the organisation, along with the managers, staff, trustees and volunteers who have carried that work forward over the past two decades.
But above all, it is a story about people helping people.
Throughout the booklet are the voices and experiences of volunteers and community organisations. They demonstrate that volunteering is about much more than filling a role. It can create friendships, build confidence, share skills, strengthen organisations and give people a greater sense of connection and belonging.
Growing stronger together
Over the years our role has expanded beyond connecting individuals with volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering Hawke’s Bay has supported community organisations through volunteer management training, governance development, strategic planning, funding and finance support, communications, mentoring, practical resources and opportunities for organisations to connect and learn from one another.
The booklet also celebrates the Excellence Awards, established in 2012 to recognise people, teams, boards and organisations whose voluntary service strengthens Hawke’s Bay.
There when our community needed it
Some of the most powerful chapters in our twenty-year story have come during times of challenge.
During COVID-19, Volunteering Hawke’s Bay worked alongside Hawke’s Bay DHB, MSD and Civil Defence to help coordinate food deliveries, health support and practical assistance.
Then, when Cyclone Gabrielle struck in February 2023, systems developed with Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management were put into action. Within four days, around 3,000 spontaneous volunteers had registered to help communities facing widespread disruption. It was an extraordinary demonstration of what can happen when community spirit, generosity and good coordination come together.
Twenty years made possible together
Reaching twenty years is something Volunteering Hawke’s Bay shares with the whole community.
Our journey has been made possible by volunteers who give their time, community organisations that create opportunities for people to contribute, and the funders, councils, businesses, sponsors and community partners that support our work.
To everyone who has played a part in that journey, thank you.
Looking towards the next chapter
While our anniversary booklet celebrates where we have come from, the story does not end here. Community needs will continue to change. New generations will discover volunteering. Organisations will need new skills and support, and there will always be opportunities for people to step forward and make a difference.
Twenty years have shown us what is possible when people are connected with purpose.
As we look towards the future, we remain committed to connecting people, strengthening communities and inspiring service across Hawke’s Bay.
Here’s to the next chapter.
Click the button below to download our celebration booklet.
DOWNLOAD HERE (1.48 MB)