Local volunteers have been celebrated for their contributions to our community during National Volunteer Week/Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu, which ended yesterday (June 22).

“Volunteers are found everywhere in our communities,” Volunteer South Queenstown Lakes community connector Carol Morgan told the Wānaka App.

“They are first responders in emergencies, coaches of sports teams, cleaners of our lakes and restorers of our native habitats, providers of baking and meals for those in need, mentors for tamariki and rangatahi, and supporters of those going through tough times.”

Volunteer South has collected more than 50 celebration stories from across the region to showcase the impact of volunteering. These include the Cardrona Adaptive Snow Sports Programme, which has been running successfully for more than 20 years.

Adaptive supervisor Katharina Mueller said the programme “couldn’t operate without the help of passionate volunteers who provide on-snow support for people with various physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities”.

“Each morning … volunteers assist, encourage, provide a safe environment, and help each guest have a great time up the mountain,” Katharina said. “Whether guiding a sit-ski or offering hands-on support, the volunteers’ impact is profound.”

Volunteers include Dylan, a backpacker from the US, who spends her days helping participants in group lessons feel included and supported; retired nurse Ali, who helps participants navigate the bustle of the slopes; and long-standing volunteer Dean, who is known for his skill with the sit-ski.

“It’s not just about skiing or snowboarding - it’s about creating possibilities, joy, and connection,” Katharina said.

Community Link foodbank coordinator Nicola Plumridge shared her comments about Wānaka Community Workshop’s “quiet champion and community hero”, Barry.

“He might prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but Barry’s generosity and quiet dedication speak volumes. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t look for recognition - yet everything he does helps our community thrive,” Nicola said.

Barry: the “heart and soul” of the community BBQ.

Barry is a volunteer at the Community Workshop; the “heart and soul” of the community BBQ; a talented craftsman who donates his work to the Hospice Shop; a generous provider of boxes of kindling; and a gardener who donates fruit and vegetables to the foodbank, Nicola said.

This year’s theme for Volunteer Week was ‘Whiria te Tangata - Weaving the people together’, and Carol said volunteer work “strengthens our communities and truly ‘weaves the people together’ and it should be recognised and celebrated”.

Volunteer South supports, promotes, and strengthens volunteering across the southern region, building stronger, more connected communities.

PHOTOS: Supplied