Kiwis' giving spirit alive and well

Whether it’s for sport, kapa haka or assisting with legal aid at the local community centre, 1.5 million New Zealanders are finding the time to volunteer, says Labour’s spokesperson for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Louisa Wall.

“Today is International Volunteers Day. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate and acknowledge the enormous contribution of New Zealanders who roll up their sleeves and lend a hand to others in their community.

“No matter what field Kiwi’s find themselves in they are finding time to give back to their communities.

“Volunteers in New Zealand are of such a high calibre that we often mistake them for professionals. But, whether we are aware of it or not, their efforts are touching our lives every day.

“Today is our chance to stop and thank volunteers for their passion and dedication and the amazing contributions they make to our communities.

“It is also a time to encourage people to look for organisations and groups that could use some help. We all have something to offer whether we are time rich, or time poor.

“Times are tough for many New Zealanders, but a huge number of us are still making time for others. That is the kind of Kiwi spirit we can all be proud of,” Louisa Wall said.