It’s the neighbour delivering meals, the young person picking up the phone to check in, the group patrolling our beaches, and the thousands of unseen hands who turn compassion into action every day.
Across Aotearoa, volunteer-powered organisations are the backbone of resilient communities — quietly creating impact, connection, and hope. Whether they’re serving meals, saving lives, supporting rangatahi, or simply showing up when no one else can, their work matters. And behind every act of service is a programme built with intention, care, and leadership.
As part of the 2025 New Zealand Volunteering Awards, presented by Rosterfy, we’re proud to recognise the Volunteer Programme of the Year finalists — organisations that exemplify excellence in volunteer management, training, and recognition.
These organisations were nominated for creating vibrant, inclusive, and purpose-driven experiences for over 200 volunteers — while demonstrating outstanding results for their communities.
Bellyful New Zealand – Filling Bellies, Filling Minds
With over 700 volunteers across 25 branches, Bellyful’s programme is built on aroha. Their 2025-launched initiative Filling Bellies, Filling Minds is a holistic volunteer development programme focused on training, wellbeing, recognition and leadership.
From delivering 34,000+ meals last year to vulnerable families, to building confidence through leadership pathways and providing mental health resources via Ignite Aotearoa, Bellyful doesn’t just support volunteers — they invest in them. As they put it:
“Behind every meal we deliver is someone who made it possible — and this programme is about making sure they feel just as cared for.”
Red Frogs NZ – Safeguarding a Generation
Red Frogs volunteers are a force of nature. They flip thousands of pancakes, walk people home, catch vomit like ninjas, and offer calm in the chaos of youth party scenes. Their programme supports 350+ volunteers, including over 60 who travel at their own cost to work with emergency services during New Year’s celebrations.
The Red Frogs Volunteer Programme is built around care, connection and fun — combining serious training with culture-building, wellbeing, and celebration. In 2024, their volunteers:
- Supported 744,000+ young people
- Handed out 145,840+ cups of water and 43,000+ pancakes
- Maintained a powerful volunteer culture of whānau, purpose, and impact
“If Red Frogs hadn’t been there…” is a phrase heard often — and their volunteer programme is what makes that presence possible.
Orange Sky Aotearoa – Positively Connecting Communities
Orange Sky’s unique approach brings together laundry, showers, kōrero and connection for people experiencing homelessness or hardship. Volunteers don't just wash clothes — they create safe, non-judgemental spaces where human connection comes first.
Their programme supports over 500 volunteers with a smart blend of:
- Self-directed onboarding and training via MyOS (Rosterfy)
- Hands-on learning from experienced team leaders
- Volunteer voice initiatives and peer-to-peer recognition
- A new Love & Thank strategy to embed everyday appreciation
In FY23/24 alone, Orange Sky volunteers delivered:
- 3,000 loads of laundry
- 2,645 showers
- 3,364 hours of kōrero
“Every role is valued, every contribution has purpose” — that’s how Orange Sky keeps growing while staying grounded in human dignity.
Land Search and Rescue / Rapa Taiwhenua Nurturing Courage and Community
Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) is a nationwide whānau of over 3,300 volunteers who carry out nearly 500 operations every year — saving lives in forests, caves, rivers, and remote landscapes. But their greatness isn’t just in what they do — it’s how they support those who do it.
LandSAR’s volunteer programme is a benchmark in:
- Leadership development through the LeadSAR future leaders programme
- Mental wellbeing via their Peer Support Network (409+ support chats this year, including 29 potentially life-saving interventions)
- Cultural capability with Taonga Tuku Iho, a te ao Māori learning platform led by Kaihautū Māori
- Equity & inclusion through their Inclusivity Advisory Group and efforts to eliminate financial barriers (by providing gear, covering costs, and more)
“It’s not just training volunteers — it’s nurturing them.”
From Safer Walking and WanderSearch programmes that protect vulnerable people, to scholarships with Outward Bound and national standards of excellence, LandSAR proves that a volunteer programme can be life-saving, inclusive, and future-focused all at once.
“Every successful operation brings relief to whānau and community. It’s not just commendable — it’s transformational.”
Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society Supporting with Compassion
With over 300 client-facing volunteers across the Waikato Bay of Plenty, this programme is a model of best practice and continuous improvement. It follows the full volunteer lifecycle — from recruitment and training to regular check-ins, recognition, and surveys — all grounded in care and community.
In the last year alone:
- Volunteers contributed 15,000+ hours, valued at $450,000
- Achieved an 87% satisfaction rate
- Rolled out new recognition practices including milestone badges and community nominations
Volunteers are trained in everything from health and safety to cyber security and driving assessments. But more than anything, they bring comfort, connection, and relief in some of life’s most challenging moments.
“This programme isn’t just well-run — it’s built on genuine care, constant reflection, and a deep commitment to doing right by our volunteers and the people they support.”
Stay Tuned…
We can’t wait to celebrate these outstanding finalists — and announce the Volunteer Programme of the Year winner at the upcoming New Zealand Volunteer Awards 2025.
The 2025 Volunteering Awards will be presented at the Volunteering Changemakers Hui on 10 October
A day of recognition, inspiration, and connection.
To all the finalists: Ngā mihi nui. Your programmes are shaping stronger communities, empowering volunteers, and making Aotearoa better for everyone.
If you're interested in exploring more about digital tools, strategies, or how to integrate technology for volunteering management into your volunteer management operations, reach out to Rosterfy. We’re here to help guide you on your journey toward sustainable digital impact.