VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad)

Meet Dr. Chris Williamson, one of our dedicated VSA volunteers, seen here beside a steam turbine at the Fiji Sugar Corporation's mill in Lautoka.

As a Bio-energy advisor in Fiji, Dr. Chris has been traveling across the lush landscapes of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, visiting various sites as part of his vital work with The Pacific Community (SPC).

It's awesome to see the partnership between our volunteers and the local organisations in their assigned region!

Ready to shape the skills from your qualification into a masterpiece?

Picture this -
You, a recent grad, in the heart of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, where lush landscapes meet vibrant cultures. Check out these two assignments that can make this your reality 👇🏽

Communications Content Mentor;
You’ll be able to embrace your creativity with meaningful impact on the community, by helping the Government connect with its people. We’re talking about a 10-month adventure where your content shapes a nation’s narrative—all while your flights, accommodation, and living expenses are covered!

Tourism Graduates
Experience the stunning region while supporting the Bougainville Arts, Culture, and Tourism Authority. Gain invaluable international experience, build local capacity, and help develop tourism infrastructure. Embrace the chance to make a real impact while exploring a vibrant new culture.

Have you ever fantasised about taking a break from the 9-5 grind for a life-changing experience abroad?

Jonty Crane did just that when he took a volunteering assignment in Timor-Leste after an epic backpacking trip with his partner.

In a new article on our website, Jonty shares how he helped boost tourism in Timor-Leste by working with local NGOs and government agencies. He took on tasks from training locals to establishing hiking trails during his assignment. While highlighting the incredible beauty and warm people of Timor-Leste, Jonty also gives a candid look at the challenges volunteers face.

If an international volunteer assignment that allows you to use your skills for social impact sounds appealing, then check out what Jonty has to say at https://vsa.org.nz/our-work/articles/incredible-in-a-word/

How did volunteering in Fiji set the trajectory for Archbishop Sir David Moxon's career?

At our whakawhanuangatanga event in June, Sir David shared insights and experiences into how his VSA assignment influenced the course of his career.

We're thrilled to provide a glimpse into the evening with a video of Sir David’s motivating and inspiring presentation

Archbishop Sir David Moxon on how volunteering changed his life Archbishop Sir David Moxon presents on how his year as a VSA volunteer in Fiji in 1970 shaped the course of his remarkable career.

Varied role for an experienced manager to provide strategic leadership of VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad)'s corporate functions and ensure VSA is a strong, supportive workplace.

Learn more about this Wellington based opportunity here: https://mclaren.co.nz/vacancies/?ja-job=4256028

Step into the heart of Tonga's vibrant culture as a Youth Development Assistant with the Ministry of Internal Affairs!

Our UniVol programme caters to recent graduates who are keen to get some real life experience under their belt.

If this sounds like you, then this is your chance to blend passion with purpose, supporting initiatives that empower Tonga's young minds.

Imagine working alongside dedicated professionals to shape administrative strategies and media communications that amplify youth opportunities. From crafting engaging social media content to mapping youth resources, your role will directly impact Tonga's future leaders.

Outside the office, immerse yourself in the warmth of Tonga's community —where 'Malo e lelei' greets you at every turn.

Explore traditions, from lively cultural events to breathtaking island vistas, all while contributing to a community-focused approach to youth development.

Covered travel, accommodation, and living expenses ensure your focus remains on making a difference.

Apply here https://www.vsa.org.nz/volunteer/vacancy/886004 and embark on a journey where your skills in marketing, communications, and passion for youth empowerment converge in one of the South Pacific's most captivating destinations.

Tonga awaits! 🌴🌟

We hope you all enjoyed celebrating Kiribati Language week as much as we did!

A huge kam rabwa (thank you) to the New Zealand Kiribati National Council who made this year's Kiribati Language Week possible.

We're grateful for everyone who supported Kiribati Language Week.

Even though the week is finished, we can still celebrate language and culture every day.

In celebration of Wikin te tae tae ni Kiribati, we're reminded past volunteers who have completed assignments in Kiribati, like Roi Burnett.

How did her VSA assignments weave in the revival of her mother tongue and the strengthening of her cultural roots?

After completing her Bachelor's in 2017, Roi took a leap of faith and became a Project Assistant in Kiribati with VSA. Over two years, she helped build staff skills, grew close to the community, and discovered a passion for gender and development issues.

In reflecting on her assignments, she refers to a Kiribati proverb “Kateira ma rabakaura bon kinaakira" which translates to “our culture and our knowledge are our identity”.

Roi shares "As an I-Kiribati person, being on assignment in Kiribati enabled me to improve my language skills and further connect with my culture and whakapapa. I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity I had to strengthen my connections with abau, my homeland - Kiribati te boboto!"

The rewarding volunteer assignments inspired her to pursue a Masters in Pacific Studies. Now she highly recommends VSA, saying "Just take the leap and do it!"

Discover more about Roi's story here:

Double the impact When Roi Burnett finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2017, she wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do next. Serendipitously, she came across the VSA UniVol programme. Roi became a Project Assistant with Teitoiningaina, a Catholic women’s organisation based in Tarawa, Kiribati.

Are you passionate about the Pacific and have strong connections across Pacific communities in Aotearoa?

This could be your chance to use your network and relationship-building skills to enable impactful partnerships.

VSA has an exciting fixed-term opportunity for a Principal Liaison - Pacific Partnerships, based in Wellington. You'll get to engage with Pacific communities and organisations to create volunteering opportunities that empower sustainable, locally-led change.

Apply here at https://www.vsa.org.nz/about-vsa/our-people/employment-vacancies/pacific-partnerships/ by 28 July!

Principal Liaison - Pacific Partnerships A unique opportunity to use and build your connections with Pacific communities. Your work will translate into positive, Pacific-led development. Join our team and help bring Pacific organisations and communities on the volunteering for development journey. We have a full-time (37. 5 hours) fixed-te...

As we step into the vibrant world of Kiribati language week, we would like to appreciate a phrase that captures the essence of what our volunteers and partners strive for - excellence in knowledge and action.

When onboarding volunteers, we seek those eager to share their expertise and skills with developing communities across the Pacific and beyond to create an ever lasting positive impact.

"Ko bon tonu". A simple, yet profound acknowledgement of someone who's truly skilled and puts their heart and soul into their work.

And when admiring the efforts of more than one person, you'd say, "Kam bon tonu". A grand salute to a job well done.

Weaving "Ko bon tonu" into your vocabulary does more than express appreciation, it acknowledges the rich Kiribati culture and fosters a sense of community and mutual respect that's heartening to witness.

Let's use this time to uplift the Kiribati language and our peers, one "Ko bon tonu" phrase at a time! 🌟

As we celebrate Kiribati Language Week, our Kiribati Programme Manager, Eretibete, shares her thoughts on this year's theme:

'Eutakirakean ma kabwaekekean ara taetae ni Kiribati ma kateira ao rabakaura, bon maurin ao tokabetin te I-Kiribati - Thriving and flourishing our Kiribati language, culture, and knowledge build I-Kiribati resilience and prosperity’

Language and culture remain pivotal to I-Kiribati people. The way one talks can say a lot about how you were raised, and our culture holds rich traditional knowledge passed down through generations. From survival skills like navigation and fishing to family and community living, our traditions are our strength.

This year’s theme is a reminder that our language, culture, and traditional knowledge are our pillars of resilience and prosperity. When we hold onto our traditions, we stay rooted and understand the importance of building our survival skills to succeed in life.

Let's celebrate and honour the resilience and richness of the Kiribati culture this week! 🌟

Hey Tourism Graduates - ready to put the last three years to use?

VSA’s 2025 UniVol Programme is calling you to join us as a Tourism Assistant in Bougainville.

Experience the stunning region while supporting the Bougainville Arts, Culture, and Tourism Authority.

Gain invaluable international experience, build local capacity, and help develop tourism infrastructure.

Enjoy covered travel, accommodation, living allowance, and more during this unique 10-month opportunity.

Embrace the chance to make a real impact while exploring a vibrant new culture.

Apply now for this life-changing experience! 🏝️✨🌐

https://www.vsa.org.nz/volunteer/vacancy/886495

The VSA Papua New Guinea Programme recently held its Development Partnerships Forum in Kokopo, East New Britain at Gazelle International Hotel.

The underlying focus on “Getting the Basics Right” at the two-day event sparked interesting and thought-provoking discussions among presenters and participants.

As one of the presenters, Dr Micah Misivet, mentioned, the Forum created ‘an avenue to share experiences and motivate each other to create change in our community.’ And with presentations as titled below, it’s no wonder another presenter, Sr Serah Malaivuye, commented that the Forum 'was inspiring, strengthening, empowering, and motivating.'

→ Empowering Every Child: What’s Happening on the Ground in Early Childhood Education by Mr Alkan Mararang from the Provincial Department of Education

→ Catalysts for Positive Change: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Sustainable Economic Growth by Mrs Dorothy Luana from Devine Management Services

→ Proximity to the People: The Vital Role of Effective Ward Leadership by Mr Cosmas Bauk from Korai Ward

→ The Ripple Effect: How Law and Order Issues Shape Healthcare Delivery by Sr Veronica Marfu and Sr Julianne Rupen from Nonga General Hospital

A key theme that emerged from the Forum 'The Future We Deserve – Strengthening Capabilities for Inclusive and Sustainable Development' is the high cost of human insecurity. For instance, insecurity and human-inflicted injuries disrupt healthcare delivery in multiple ways, impacting infrastructure, access, safety, operations, economics, public health, and trust.

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and adaptive strategies. Participants agree that effective measures include educational initiatives, enhanced conflict resolution processes, improved community engagement, and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities at the village level.

VSA PNG staff would like to give a special thank you to the presenters and event staff for their work at the Forum.

Excited to share this update from the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa about the VSA Samoa Partner Forum that recently took place.

Featuring insightful discussions and valuable updates on the VSA Programme, this event cultivated collaboration between local partners and volunteers, helping to strengthen communities and maximise the impact of our work together.

It's awesome to see the joint effort of our volunteers, partner organisations and staff towards the communities in Samoa. 🤝🌺

Nicole Cayzer started her Assignment as an Emergency Nurse Adviser for the Ministry of Health in Tonga 🇹🇴

We can't wait to see the positive impact you will have in the community, and are wishing you all the best on your assignment!

Before the Matariki long weekend, our VSA Wellington office had a fantastic time participating in activities, learning more about Matariki, and embracing this year's theme - Matariki Heri Kai - with a big feast!

Everyone brought a plate to celebrate, connect, reflect, and honour those who have passed. We tested our knowledge with a short quiz before wrapping up our celebration and extending warm wishes for a happy and safe Māori New Year to all.

We wish everyone a joyful and safe Māori New Year, surrounded by whānau, loved ones, and nutritious kai!

Mānawatia a Matariki!

UniVol Spotlight 😎⭐️

Eileen Dixon enjoyed her 2023 UniVol assignment as a Sports Development Assistant so much, she's decided to head back for more!

Read more about her assignment, what day to day volunteering life looks like, highlights of Samoa and advice for those considering our UniVol programme in the link below 🔗

Sharing the joy of sport Eileen Dixon travelled to Samoa in 2023 as a UniVol. Her assignment, as Sports Development Assistant at National Rugby League Samoa, saw her engage with local communities on topics such as the benefits of physical education and how to reduce gender-based violence.

Are you a qualified veterinarian who can help this little fella get to where he's going?

We're on the hunt for a Small Animal Vet who can put their skills and expertise towards helping the little guys in the Pacific Islands 🐶🏝️

Enjoy covered flights, accommodation, living allowance, and utilities while using your veterinary skills to make a real difference in the community of Samoa.

Join the Animal Protection Society to lead clinical services, mentor local staff, and improve animal welfare in a tropical paradise.

Over 12 months, you'll provide essential veterinary care, build local capacity, and experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Samoa.

Transform lives—including your own—with this once in a lifetime adventure.

Apply by clicking the link below and embark on an unforgettable journey! 🐾

https://www.vsa.org.nz/volunteer/vacancy/893691

Discover Our 2024 Vista!

"Connecting People – Transforming Lives" is why we exist at Volunteer Service Abroad / Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA). This year, we've seen tremendous growth in volunteer numbers and deepened our valued partnerships. As we enter this exciting new phase, record numbers of New Zealanders are eager to make a difference in communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Vista is our flagship publication, dedicated to sharing inspiring stories from our partner organisations and volunteers over the past year. We invite you to dive into this year’s edition and celebrate the impactful work we're doing together.

Thank you for your continued support of VSA. We're proud of our place in the world and our ability to make a real difference.

Enjoy reading here at https://vsa.org.nz/our-work/media-and-publications/vista/

As we wrap up National Volunteer week, we reflect on all the hard work and dedication people have volunteered to VSA.

He taonga rongonui te aroha ki te tangata - Good will towards others is a precious treasure.

This week, we honour all our incredible volunteers who selflessly give their time and expertise to make a difference. From shaping the foundations of our organsiation, forming connections and relationships with our volunteers and supporting our mission in connecting people and transforming lives, your generosity and dedication enrich lives and communities, embodying the spirit of goodwill.

Thank you for being the treasure that makes our mahi possible. Your impact is invaluable and deeply appreciated. 🙌❤️

What does over 30 years of outstanding volunteer service look like?

Frank O'Connor, was recently awarded VSA's prestigious Life Membership for his invaluable contributions since the 1980s.

From team building, advising, workshops and more, Frank exemplified the spirit of volunteerism through his expertise, wisdom, and dedication.

His support contributed to VSA's operations and volunteer experiences immensely. Frank's story shows how volunteers can make profound, long-lasting impacts when they are committed to an organisation's values and mission.

If you know other VSA volunteers who have made outstanding contributions over many years, nominate them for Life Membership in 2024!

Their inspiring stories deserve to be recognised. Read more about Frank's journey and VSA's Life Membership honour in the blog post here:

Celebrating the volunteers who keep on giving Frank O'Connor receiving his Life Membership in 2023. This National Volunteer Week, we’re thrilled to celebrate one of our recent VSA Life Members, Frank O’Connor. VSA Life Membership is not a lightly awarded honour. Just three Life Memberships are awarded each year.

🌟 National Volunteers Week 🌟

As the celebrations for National Volunteer week continue, we want to highlight those who volunteer their services right here in Aotearoa.

Since 1962, Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) has been able to make a difference, thanks to the incredible support from our Council members. In shaping the way we work and how we operate, our Council members provide their time and expertise to ensure we keep working towards our mission - connecting people, transforming lives and our vision - a world of thriving communities.

Today, we continue to thrive with guidance from our dedicated Council to ensure we continue creating a positive change around the world.

A big shoutout to our amazing volunteers and the guiding hands of our Council 💪

Pictured: Dana MacDiarmid, Dr Simon Mark & Chloe Oldfield
Not pictured: Helen McGregor, Ilze Gotelli, Simon Trotter & Tiffany Babington

To kick off National Volunteers Week, we want to celebrate the incredible mahi of our VSA Interest Groups! 🥳

Comprised of past volunteers, VSA members, and international development enthusiasts, our Interest Groups are vital in fostering local connections and support to our international volunteers.

Led by Co-Convenors, VSA Interest Groups volunteer their time and effort to organise get-togethers, events, and fundraising activities, whilst also providing invaluable guidance for new volunteers and advocating VSA’s mission. Their efforts significantly support our work across the Pacific.

Thank you to our Interest Groups in Katapere/Canterbury, Top of Te Waipounamu/Top of the South Island, Manawatū, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, and Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington. You can find out more or get in touch here - https://vsa.org.nz/about-vsa/our-people/interest-groups/

Your dedication and community spirit are truly appreciated! 🌏👏

VSA and The Tindall Foundation (TTF) had the privilege of visiting Samoa recently.

It was a week filled with high level strategic meetings (talanoa) with government officials, as well as regional and local organisations and partners, to learn about current priorities and challenges, community-level agricultural developments, and potential opportunities to volunteer for development. It was a week of learning and exploring community led agricultural initiatives that have potential to:

- Strengthen resilience (both social and environmental)
- Increase food security, and
- Better the economic outcomes for communities

VSA and TTF were truly honoured by the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. Grateful for the time and the inspiring talanoa.

We were privileged to meet with the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and senior MAF staff, HoM New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa Si’alei Van Toor, Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Samoa Farmers Association - SFA. In addition, TTF and VSA also engaged in farm visits with UN Women Markets 4 Change farmers and market vendors, as well as representatives from SFA.

We express gratitude to esteemed organisations and individuals from New Zealand High Commission in Samoa, FAO Pacific, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme - SPREP, United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Apia, UN in Samoa, Live and Learn Environmental Education, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific for engaging in valuable discussions.

We remain committed to fostering sustainable development and creating a lasting impact for the communities we serve.

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Ever wondered about local life in a tropical developing community?

Jonty showcases how moving to Timor-Leste highlights just how good we have it in terms of infrastructure and living standards. Although basics like electricity, water and internet are less reliable and more expensive, Timor-Leste offers affordable public transport, abundant fresh produce and easy access to adventure activities.

Daily tasks take more time without modern appliances and digital systems, but the small population makes networking easier! If you want some insights into what it's like living in a developing community, be sure to check out Jonty's blog post!

What is hard and easy to do in Timor-Leste Living in Timor-Leste is certainly an experience. Moving from a developed to a least developed country has taken some adjustment, but it has been incredible and rewarding. In this post I thought I’…

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of two new volunteers who commenced their assignments in Timor-Leste!

⭐️ Cheryl Tyler supporting Care International as an Education Adviser
⭐️ Iona Bonney working with Instituto Católico Para a Formação de Professores (ICFP) as an ESL Trainer
⭐️ Plus Kim Admore accompanying Iona Bonney as an assignment partner

We wish our new team of volunteers all the best on their haerenga and look forward to the positive changes they will bring to their communities. 🌏💼

-Leste

Celebrating International Nurses Day last month in Bougainville! 🌟🩺

Meet Sarah, a registered nurse with over 40 years of experience who volunteered in Bougainville through one of our VSA assignments. Here she is celebrating international Nurses Day with her colleagues Esther Morri and Christine Moini.

As nurses around the world were celebrated, Sarah shared her valuable insights and experiences from her time serving the Buin District Health Facility. She felt privileged to work alongside determined and hardworking nurses who maximise the limited resources available to them.

Witnessing the dedication, resilience, and daily challenges faced by nurses in the Pacific region in preserving life has been a humbling yet proud experience for Sarah.

We honour Sarah for her achievements and unwavering commitment to the nursing industry. We also recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of all nurses who strive to improve and maintain healthy communities 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

VSA currently has a number of volunteer roles open for recruitment in Bougainville, including some in the health sector. If you are interested please take a look at Bougainville here https://vsa.org.nz/volunteer/filter/all/40331/

He Pānui Aituā -

VSA would like to acknowledge the passing of Lady June Hillary, wife of VSA’s former President Sir Edmund Hillary.

Lady June Hillary had a long association with Nepal, and served as Patron of the New Zealand Nepal Society and as New Zealand's Honorary Consul-General there for many years. She was an exceptional individual whose contributions to Nepal and the Nepalese community in New Zealand were immeasurable, and inspirational to our volunteers over the years.

Moe mai rā e Lady June Hillary

We are so pleased to start celebrating this month with Volunteering New Zealand | Tūao Aotearoa, and incredible people like Mo!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/moumitadasroy_thebigshoutout-nvw2024-wonderingmo-activity-7203478049164558336-4x76?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop