Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for some of the more commonly asked questions, if you need more information please call or email us.
What's in it for me?
- Stay active and have fun
- Volunteering is really good for your health!
- It will boost your confidence
- Being selfless makes you feel good
- Your whānau will be proud of you
- Enjoy new social and cultural interactions
- Make a positive difference
- Connect with your community
- It's a nice break from routine
- Develop existing skills and learn new ones
- Gain work experience, boost your CV, gain a reference
- Grow your networks
What positions do you have available?
- A wide variety that changes all the time! Scroll through the positions via the ''Current Positions'' link (under Want To Volunteer) for a list.
What towns do you have positions in?
- We list voluntary roles throughout the Marlborough Region including Blenheim, Grovetown, Havelock, Picton/Anakiwa, Renwick/Woodbourne, Seddon/Ward, Spring Creek/Tuamarina, Wairau Valley and Rai Valley. We might not have positions available in every area all of the time, but roles open and close frequently!
How do I get a voluntary position?
- You can simply search for available positions online and apply for any that are of interest.
- If you are in or near Blenheim, you can contact us to arrange a time to come in to chat with one of our staff. During this time our staff member will discuss what volunteering you might be interested in, and show you what roles are available.
Is there an age limit? If I'm under 18, can I volunteer?
- While not every volunteering opportunity is suitable for all ages, we have a range of opportunities that people under 18 can apply for, and we are always on the lookout for more! Get in touch with our staff for help finding an age-appropriate opportunity.
How much will it cost me?
- Whether you come in and see us or sign up online, our volunteer placement service is free.
Can I volunteer if I have a chronic health condition or disability?
- Definitely! Volunteer Marlborough firmly believes that volunteering is for everyone. Our staff are here to support people of all abilities to find a volunteering opportunity in Marlborough, and, if you need a little extra support along the way, we can help with that too.
Do I need a C.V.?
- No, not for the chat with Volunteer Marlborough, however the organisations that you apply to may ask to see your CV.
Do I need qualifications?
- There are some jobs which require a person to have specific qualifications. However, most of our jobs do not require formal qualifications.
- Training is often provided on the job.
Will volunteering result in paid work?
- Volunteer work gives you useful experience, contacts and a reference. Occasionally a volunteer position does become a paid job, but it is rare.
Do you check references or do police checks?
- We will tell you if a police check is required for the role. We do not check references or do police checks when you apply for a voluntary position, however, many of our organisations complete these checks before you start your voluntary position with them.
What are my obligations?
- Your obligations as a volunteer will include such things as turning up for work on time, doing the job to the best of your ability, and getting on well with the people with whom you are working.
- You will be told what the organisation expects from you before you accept a job.
- If you are a volunteer, you must take reasonable care of your own safety and take care not to do anything which could harm another person. You should follow all reasonable safety instructions given to you when you are volunteering at one of our member organisations, so that they can comply with their Health and Safety obligations.