Investigative Study of Factors Contributing to Volunteer Stress and Burnout in Surf Life Saving with Chris Emmett
Rosterfy is hosting a Lunch and Learn series where expert guest speakers share valuable insights on volunteer management, recruitment, engagement, and retention. Each session will explore common challenges and provide practical strategies to build more engaging and flexible volunteer programs.
In this kōrero, hear from Chris Emmett. Chris is a seasoned executive and current GM – Club Support & Capability at Surf Life Saving New Zealand. With an MBA (Distinction) and over two decades in operational leadership, Chris is passionate about building high-performing teams and driving community-focused impact across Aotearoa.
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NZ LUNCH AND LEARN WEBINAR SERIES
Investigative Study of Factors Contributing to Volunteer Stress and Burnout in Surf Life Saving
Host: Kelsey Mulcahy, Volunteer Systems Specialist at Rosterfy
Guest: Chris Emmett, GM – Club Support & Capability at Surf Life
Saving New Zealand.
Webinar Overview: Access this insightful Lunch and Learn session on demand, featuring Chris Emmett, as he shares findings from his investigative study into the factors contributing to volunteer stress and burnout in Surf Life Saving. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to better support and sustain volunteers in high-responsibility roles.
Chris Emmett is a dynamic senior executive with extensive leadership experience in both community and commercial sectors. Currently serving as General Manager – Club Support & Capability at Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Chris brings over 13 years of proven strategic and operational leadership within the organisation, having previously held roles including Chief Operations Officer and Regional Manager.
Chris holds an MBA with Distinction from the University of Waikato and is known for his future-focused approach, strong financial acumen, and ability to lead transformational change. He thrives on helping organisations grow sustainably, navigate complexity, and foster cultures of performance and innovation.
With a career rooted in purpose-driven service, Chris is deeply committed to empowering teams and volunteers across Aotearoa. Whether he’s implementing national capability strategies or championing grassroots initiatives, his leadership style is collaborative, values-led, and impact-driven. Outside of work, Chris is a passionate advocate for community resilience, beach safety, and lifelong learning.
Why This Study Matters:
Volunteer stress and burnout are real risks in high-responsibility roles like Surf Life Saving
→ The demands of lifesaving, often combined with unpaid commitment and emotional load, can place significant pressure on volunteers.
Organisational support and leadership capability play a critical role in volunteer wellbeing
→ Building strong systems, supportive leadership, and realistic expectations is essential to sustaining volunteer engagement.
Understanding stress factors is the first step toward designing more resilient and sustainable volunteer programmes
→ Investigative work like this helps inform strategies to improve retention, performance, and overall volunteer experience.
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