Get involved with a community clean up with Upper Waitematā Ecology Network around Albany. With the support of staff and students from Massey University on the 19th June 2026 10-12pm at Massey University.
Across the country, National Volunteer Week is marked with appreciation events, local projects, and hands-on community initiatives that bring people together. One inspiring example is a community clean-up event organised by the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network around Albany Mall. With the support of staff and students from Massey University and sponsored by FlexiBin, volunteers will work together to remove windblown rubbish from bush and grass areas to help protect local wildlife and reduce pollution.
Join them as they head out around Albany to clean up the green spaces.
Volunteering New Zealand’s National Volunteer Week is Aotearoa’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the millions of people who give their time, energy, and compassion to strengthen communities across the country.
In 2026, National Volunteer Week runs from 14–20 June and carries the inspiring theme: “Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao.” The campaign encourages New Zealanders to celebrate current volunteers while inspiring more people to get involved in community service and local initiatives.
Volunteers are the backbone of many organisations and community programmes throughout Aotearoa. From sports coaches and conservation groups to food banks, emergency responders, mentors, and caregivers, volunteers support causes that improve lives every single day. Their contribution extends far beyond practical help, volunteering builds connection, strengthens resilience, and creates a stronger sense of belonging within communities.
The event reflects the practical, community-driven spirit of volunteering. Organisers are providing gloves and buckets, making it easy for anyone to get involved and contribute toward creating a cleaner, healthier environment for both people and nature.
The clean-up event also reflects a growing trend emerging across Aotearoa, the increasing involvement of young people in volunteering and environmental action. According to the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, more students and young adults are stepping forward to engage in conservation projects, community events, and local initiatives.
“Here at UWEN we are seeing a change in who shows up at our events, who is joining in and lending a hand and getting engaged in our mahi,” the organisation shared in its recent newsletter. “We’re delighted to say that increasingly, the faces that show up are getting younger and we are hearing from more and more students and young adults who want to get involved.”
This shift is reflected nationally in findings from the State of the Decade of Volunteering report released by Volunteering New Zealand (https://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz), which highlights that volunteering continues to attract people from all backgrounds and age groups across the country.
As participation evolves, organisations like the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network are also adapting the opportunities they provide and the ways they connect with communities. The organisation says it is inspired by the diversity of experiences, cultures, knowledge, and curiosity that volunteers bring to their environmental mahi.
This intergenerational involvement is helping shape the future of volunteering in New Zealand. Younger volunteers are bringing fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives, while experienced community members continue to share valuable local knowledge and leadership. Together, they are creating stronger, more inclusive communities and helping environmental initiatives thrive.
Importantly, volunteering does not have to involve a huge commitment. Even a few hours can make a meaningful difference. Community initiatives like the Albany clean-up demonstrate how accessible volunteering can be, simply showing up and lending a hand contributes to healthier, more connected communities.
This National Volunteer Week, take the opportunity to thank the volunteers around you and consider joining a local initiative yourself. Whether through environmental action, community support, or neighbourhood projects, every act of volunteering helps build a kinder, cleaner, and more sustainable Aotearoa.
It’s free to register – just follow the link https://events.humanitix.com/litter-blitz
For any questions reach out to rachael@uwen.org.nz
