Volly Voices and Journeys

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.

In today’s episode, Marcia sits down with Nicky Rowat from Hāwera to explore her lifelong journey in volunteering.
Nicky’s story begins at a young age, helping out around swimming—one of those early experiences that quietly plants the seed for a lifetime of giving back. From there, her volunteering has grown and evolved alongside her life, shaped by a strong sense of community and a willingness to step up where needed.
Today, Nicky wears many hats. She is a volunteer firefighter, standing alongside her crew in times of emergency and supporting her local community when it matters most. She’s also what you might call a “perpetual fundraiser”—someone who never seems to stop finding ways to support good causes, rally people together, and make things happen.
Alongside her volunteering, Nicky now works with Fire and Emergency New Zealand as a Volunteer Coordinator, supporting and strengthening the very network she has been part of for so many years. It’s a role that brings together her lived experience and her passion for people.
What comes through clearly in this conversation is that, for Nicky, volunteering isn’t about recognition or titles—it’s simply about giving back. It’s about community, connection, and doing your bit.
This episode is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t have to start big. It often begins with something small—helping out, putting your hand up, being part of something—and over time, it becomes part of who you are.
We hope Nicky’s story inspires others across Taranaki to think about their own volunteering journey—where it might begin, or where it might lead next.