Volly Voices and Journeys

Marie chats with Sharon about what her role at New Plymouth FoodBank is, the changes that she has seen in the nine and a half years that she has been with FoodBank . Also the upcoming Food Bank Drive on December 7th,2026 and what items that they are most in need of for that drive and why the Drive is so important for the ongoing operating of the FoodBank , She also shares the numbers of food parcels that they did in 2025 and the number that they have packed to date. Very enlightening

Marie chats with Bruce and Don about what Community Patrol does as the Eyes and Ears for the Police in the community – which covers Waitara, New Plymouth and Inglewood & Oakura. Also the process of how you can become involved in this very interesting volunteer role. This is part 1 as there were so many interesting parts to this session that we decided there needed to be a part 2 to share the rest of the information. So watch this space for the next episode. Very interesting!

For Shona Glentworth, volunteering has never just been about giving her time – it has been about getting involved, giving back, learning, and making connections. Her journey began with Young Farmers while growing up in Eltham and has since taken her into an incredible variety of roles. These include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Taranaki Hockey, Pioneer Village, Taranaki Netball, Air Ambulance, and helping establish the Hāwera cinema to name but a few! Shona’s long association with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce saw her serve on the Board, become Chair and a Life Member. She continues to volunteer as a judge for the Taranaki Business Excellence Awards. Today, alongside board roles, Shona supports young children through grief and loss as a volunteer companion on the Seasons for Growth Programme. Shona shares with us how volunteering has helped her develop skills, embrace new opportunities, meet a variety of people and give back to the communities she has called home.

Marie Riordan, Manager at Volunteering New Plymouth, and Nikki Truman, the organisation’s new Deputy Chair, chat about celebrating the incredible volunteers who make our community tick! 🙌✨ They’re talking about the Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards, why it’s so important to nominate those awesome people who give their time and energy, and why you’d better get those nominations in quickly. Plus, with 2026 being the International Year of Volunteers, this year’s recognition is extra special. ✨ #IVY2026

Marie talks with Jeanette Hinton (a volunteer and Grandparent who has been involved in raising her own grandchild) from Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. They talk about how she became involved in this organisation, and what the organisation does. Jeanette shares how important it is, for not only herself but also the many other grandparents like her, to learn about the support that is available from the national office and how they can help you to navigate the information of MSD and the courts. They also chat about the support Flourish has given to the local group, and when and how often the support group meets.🧓🧑‍🧒