Volly Voices and Journeys

This week Marcia chats with Callum Williamson about a volunteer journey that's firmly grounded in community, rugby, and family. From coaching and managing local rugby teams (including his five-year-old son's team!) to serving on the boards of New Plymouth Injury Safe and Kidsafe Taranaki, Callum is passionate about making a difference. He shares how growing up in Christchurch, where he and his brothers were regularly "volunteered" by their parents to help out, shaped his outlook. His philosophy is simple: if you'd want someone to step up for you, you need to step up for others—while always keeping family at the heart of everything.

Marie talks to Karen Laurance from Waitara Poppy Trust who shares what the Poppy Trust is all about. What funds they receive from the local Poppy collections in April and how those fund go to support returned service people and who is eligible to apply for funds. Karen also shares how you can support this trust and how important the Collection days are to support the great work that this trust does.

Marie talks with Grant Carter about Taranaki Health Foundation - Wayfinders role at the new east wing at Taranaki Base Hospital
Also about the value of volunteers and how they have been an asset recently with the NP Boys High “Something for Nothing” volunteering at the Renal Unit garden
Also learn how you can become involved with Taranaki Health Foundation – Te Whatu Ora Taranaki Wayfinders

Marcia chats with Marie Riordan about a lifetime of volunteering. Marie’s journey began as a young child helping her mother arrange church flowers in Waitara and has continued throughout her life. From serving on committees and helping at community events to making jams, shaking collection buckets, and selling raffle tickets for fundraisers, Marie shares how small acts of service can make a big difference. Tune in to hear why volunteering matters, the friendships it creates, and how everyone has something valuable to contribute to their community. Her story highlights generosity, connection, purpose, and the power of giving back.

Marie talks with Adrian Cleary Sanctuary Manager & Lorella Doherty Volunteer Coordinator about their background before joining Rotokare and then Adrian talks about the Sanctuary from the beginning and how the community is involved and the awesome wildlife that is at the Reserve, he also explains the difference between Predator free and Pest free and what that means.
Lorella then talks about all the roles, connections and support that volunteers and the Youth Ambassadors are involved with and then Adrian talks about the long term dreams the trustees have for Rotokare.
Also learn how you can become involved with Rotokare Scenic Reserve.