2026 NZ Volunteering Awards
Celebrating Excellence in Volunteer Engagement Across Aotearoa
Nominations Close - September 4, 2026 | 5:00PM NZST
2025 Volunteer Programme of the Year Award Winner and Finalists
Volunteering New Zealand is proud to bring the NZ Volunteering Awards 2026 presented by Rosterfy — a national celebration of outstanding impact and leadership in volunteer engagement.
These awards honour programmes and individuals whose dedication strengthens communities, aligns with best practice in volunteer engagement, and brings to life the spirit of manaakitanga and service.
Award Categories
- Volunteer Programme of the Year
- Emerging Leader in Volunteer Engagement
Awards Timeline
Nominations Open – August 10, 2026 | 9:00AM NZST
Nominations Closed – September 13, 2026 | 5:00PM NZST
Judging Complete – September 26, 2026 | 5:00PM NZST
Awards Presentation – October 15-16, 2026 | Volunteering New Zealand Conference
Volunteer Programme of the Year
Celebrating excellence in volunteer programme delivery across New Zealand.
Overview:
This award recognises a volunteer programme that exemplifies meaningful, innovative, and impactful volunteer engagement — aligned to Volunteering New Zealand’s “Feedback & Recognition” Best Practice Guidelines.
Who should be nominated?
Ideal candidates are programmes operating with over 200 volunteers that:
- Has demonstrated excellence over the past 12 months
- Create vibrant, inclusive, and purpose-driven experiences for volunteers
- Recognise and celebrate volunteer contributions
- Demonstrate measurable impact in their communities
Assessment Criteria:
- Community impact and outcomes
- Onboarding and training processes
- Volunteer reward and recognition methods
- Use of digital tools and continuous improvement practices
Leader in Volunteer Engagement
Overview:
This award acknowledges an innovative volunteering leader who is delivering meaningful results for their organisation and community through a ground breaking project that has dramatically improved their volunteer program.
Ideal Nominee:
The ideal candidates are volunteer leaders who:
- Has made a notable contribution within the past 12 months
- Champions inclusive, structured volunteer practices
- Demonstrates excellence in onboarding, recognition, and volunteer experience
- Has demonstrated tangible results for both their team and the community
Assessment Criteria:
- Alignment to organisational purpose
- Volunteer onboarding and training strategy
- Volunteer recognition and development
- Continuous improvement and volunteer experience enhancement
Finalists and winner
- Gary Mitchell – Predator Free Grenada Village 🏆
- Nicky Shave – Te Hononga a Iwi / Restoring Rosedale Park 🏆
- Beth Jobin – NZ National Fieldays Society
- Stephanie Harlan – Alzheimers Tauranga
- Verena Pschorn – Volunteering Northland
Volunteering New Zealand Conference 2026, 16 October, Rotorua
The Volunteering New Zealand Conference 2026 is designed for volunteer managers, leaders of volunteers and organisations that work through a volunteer workforce. Delegates will hear from inspiring speakers, take part in workshop sessions and connect with others committed to strengthening volunteering across Aotearoa.