The Volunteer Crunch: Why Charities Are Turning Away Helpers – And What It Means for New Zealand’s Workforce
A staggering 32% increase in volunteer applications at the SPCA alone signals a dramatic shift in New Zealand’s social landscape. While seemingly a positive trend, charities are increasingly finding themselves in the unusual position of having to turn people away. This isn’t a sign of dwindling community spirit; it’s a direct consequence of rising unemployment and a workforce actively seeking to bridge experience gaps – a trend poised to reshape how New Zealanders engage with both work and community service.
The Unemployment-Volunteerism Link: A Growing Trend
Volunteering New Zealand reports a considerable surge in applications, with a noticeable uptick in applicants openly identifying as job seekers. Margaret McLachlan, spokesperson for Volunteering NZ, notes that the rising cost of living and increasing unemployment rates are key drivers. “People are looking for work, but volunteering while that process is taking place,” she explains. This isn’t simply altruism; it’s a pragmatic strategy for maintaining skills, building networks, and bolstering CVs in a competitive job market. The latest unemployment figures, reaching 5.3% in the September quarter (with new data due in February), underscore the urgency driving this trend.
Beyond Altruism: Volunteering as a Career Strategy
The SPCA’s experience – receiving 1300 extra applications between June and November 2025 – is emblematic of the nationwide phenomenon. Cathy Crichton, General Manager of Retail at SPCA, highlights the proactive nature of applicants. “It’s a great opportunity to get work experience and a reference, and there’s an appeal there as an employer…I really do think it adds value to a CV.” This perception is well-founded. Employers increasingly recognize the transferable skills gained through volunteering – skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving – as valuable assets.
The Capacity Challenge: When Good Intentions Meet Practical Limits
The surge in applications, while welcome, presents a logistical challenge for charities. Many organizations, particularly smaller ones, are now at capacity, unable to adequately vet, train, and supervise the influx of volunteers. SPCA, for example, has paused volunteer recruitment in 19 locations across New Zealand. The application process itself mirrors that of paid employment, requiring police checks, reference checks, and interviews – barriers that can be as significant for volunteers as they are for job seekers. This creates a bottleneck, limiting the ability of charities to fully leverage the increased willingness to contribute.
Skills-Based Volunteering: A Solution for Both Sides
Crichton suggests a shift in approach: “think creatively about what skills they can offer – it could be in administration or marketing.” This highlights the growing need for skills-based volunteering, where individuals offer their professional expertise to organizations. This not only addresses the capacity issue by requiring less intensive training but also provides charities with access to specialized skills they might otherwise lack. This is a move away from simply needing ‘bodies’ to needing specific expertise.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Volunteering in New Zealand
The current situation isn’t a temporary blip. Several factors suggest this trend will continue, and potentially intensify. Economic uncertainty, coupled with the evolving nature of work (the rise of the gig economy, automation, and the need for continuous upskilling), will likely drive more individuals to seek volunteer opportunities as a means of maintaining relevance and employability. Furthermore, the increasing awareness of social issues and a desire for purpose-driven activities will continue to fuel the desire to give back. We can expect to see a greater emphasis on flexible volunteering models, remote volunteering opportunities, and micro-volunteering – short, targeted tasks that allow individuals to contribute without a significant time commitment.
The challenge for New Zealand’s charitable sector will be to adapt to this new reality. Investing in streamlined volunteer management systems, focusing on skills-based recruitment, and exploring innovative models of engagement will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of this unprecedented surge in community spirit. The current “volunteer crunch” isn’t a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to reimagine the relationship between volunteering, employment, and community wellbeing.
What skills do you think will be most in-demand from volunteers in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
