Synthesis 

This report is based on a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data sources. Survey responses from 1,542 volunteers and 420 community and volunteer-involving organizations were analyzed, with respondents represented across all regions of New Zealand, age cohorts and ethnicities. 

It includes five sub-sections: 1) the changing landscape of volunteering, 2) motivations and barriers for volunteers, 3) challenges facing volunteer organizations, 4) evolving expectations for volunteers and volunteer organizations., and 5) ethical and inclusive volunteering.  

 Key findings include the following: 

• The state of volunteering is fairly positive, though the Covid-19 pandemic, and the emerging cost-of-living situation, had negative effects on some aspects of volunteering.
• Volunteers are re-evaluating their priorities and expect volunteering to be value-driven.
• Most volunteers enjoy their volunteering work and are treated fairly and respectfully, although there are some disparities across age and ethnic groups.
• Key motivations for volunteering include a desire to give back to the community, to make friends or form social connections, to learn new skills, and for mental health and wellbeing.
• Key barriers to volunteering include being time poor and needing to prioritize paid employment, health and safety concerns, onerous training requirements, and lack of reimbursement and recognition.
• Regional variations in volunteering statistics persist, with different turnover rates and challenges experienced across the regions.