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National Volunteer Week was marked in Matakana last month by a special open day for community groups and organisations hosted by The Forest Bridge Trust (TFBT).
Well over 15 different not-for-profits took a stand in the community hall on Saturday, June 24 to explain what they do and to encourage new members to sign up.
TFBT senior community liaison Tris Bondsfield said it was the first such event the trust had organised and everyone who had come along was pleased with how it had gone.
“We estimated there were about 80 people and everyone had people signing up or adding their names to a list,” she said.
“And with it being market day, it wasn’t necessarily just locals. We had several people from Auckland sign up, because they visit here regularly.”
There was a wide range of groups represented, which was a deliberate move, she added.
“We didn’t just want it to be conservation. There are so many organisations in this area, we just wanted to give them a chance to come together and tell people about their volunteering opportunities,” Bondsfield said.
“It was a bit of a departure for us, but everyone was happy and we’re looking to do it again next year.”
Groups represented included Kawau Coastguard, Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade, Springboard, Citizens Advice Bureau, Forest & Bird, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated, Cat Owners Education NZ, Matakana Community Garden, Takatu LandCare, Friends of Awa Matakanakana, University of Auckland School of Environment, Leigh Harbour Valley Society, Fabric Rescue and Restore Rodney East.
