The latest State of Volunteering Report by Volunteering New Zealand highlights a significant shift in the volunteering landscape. Post-Covid realities, rising living costs, and evolving social values have all influenced how people choose to give their time. For organisations that rely on volunteers, this means adapting and evolving their approach to better meet the changing needs, motivations, and expectations of today’s volunteers.
We’re seeing a move away from the traditional “civic core”—a small group of highly committed individuals doing the majority of volunteering hours. In its place, there’s now a broader, more diverse group of people who are willing to give their time, but in smaller, more flexible ways. According to the State of Volunteering report, casual volunteering—just a few hours a month—is on the rise. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for the sector.
Today’s volunteers want more than just a task—they want purpose. They are driven by values, impact, and flexibility. Many are asking: Does this align with what I care about? Will my time make a difference? Can I fit this into my life without overcommitting?
To meet this new reality, organisations need to think creatively about how they engage volunteers. Could existing roles be broken down into smaller, task-based opportunities? Are there parts of your work that could be completed remotely or offered as one-off projects? By breaking down roles into manageable tasks, you reduce the time commitment required—making it easier for people to say yes to volunteering. From admin support and content creation to proofreading, graphic design, and storytelling, there’s a wide range of meaningful tasks volunteers can support, many of which can be done flexibly or from home.
Storytelling is also more important than ever. Sharing the real stories of your mission, your volunteers, and the people you serve is a powerful way to connect with potential volunteers. People want to see the difference they can make before they commit.
Don’t forget the potential of corporate and student volunteers. Many businesses offer paid volunteer days as part of their CSR programmes. These individuals often want to try something new, contribute as a team, and make a real impact in just a day. Students, meanwhile, are keen to gain experience, connect with causes, and develop skills that help them grow.
Yes, adapting takes time—but the effort pays off. Reworking your volunteer programme might just open the door to a more diverse, skilled, and engaged group of supporters than ever before.
At Volunteering Waikato, we’re here to help. Whether you need support rethinking roles, attracting new volunteers, or telling your story—we’re with you every step of the way.
