Volly Voices

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.

Marie talks with Caron Bedwell about what her background was before joining WISe as their HHI (Healthy Homes Initiative) Supervisor and what her role involves
Caron outlines all aspects of the Healthy Homes program, which ensures assessments, installations, and operations are carried out efficiently and effectively. Caron provides guidance and support to the team, helps maintain high standards and ensures that families receive the services they need. This is all part of what HHI is all about and she explains the role that volunteers play in the projects that are part of WISE and the current project - WISE PJ DRIVE – Keeping Tamariki around Taranaki warm this winter.

Marie talks with Hayley Duggan of TET Stadium & Event Centre about what her background was before joining TET Stadium as their Operations Manager and what her role involves

Also Hayley covers the type of events that are held there as well as the project currently being fundraised for of changing room facilities and storage and the upcoming fundraising activities for this project as well as the recently completed mobility access .entrance to the venue thanks to the volunteers and local groups that helped get this completed.

Marie talks with Karen Laurance about how she joined the club and about the history of the club and their focus of fund raising for organisations and projects like Food Banks, the new Cancer Centre and other projects that become of interest to the group from time to time.
She also shares the types of meetings / gatherings they have and how they fundraise for the projects. She shares the structure of the club and the flexibility of being a member.

Marie talks with Ovila Juneau (OJ) about the many opportunities that people have to volunteer across The Junction site
He shares the benefits of volunteering which can include learning many new skills and shares information about how one of the volunteers originally came to be involved, how he was very shy & reserved and now has developed in confidence to serve customers and helps them with purchase.
OJ also share the many options to become part of the team and the minimum commitment required of any new volunteer.