-
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia - Source: ONE News
More than 1.2 million New Zealanders do volunteer work, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia said today at the start of Voluntary Awareness Week.
The free labour was worth about $3.3 billion to New Zealand communities.
"I would like to acknowledge the amazing contribution so many people already make, and to encourage other New Zealanders to offer what time they can to help their communities," Turia said.
"There is nothing more inspiring than a community working together for a common goal.
"As well as contributing to building a strong and healthy community, volunteering can also break down social barriers. There is so much we can do to make another life better."
The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector commissioned Nielsen Media Research to collect data quarterly. Its figures for the December quarter 2009 found people under 19 were most likely to volunteer for environmental causes, those aged 20-29 tended to help out at preschools and people aged 30-49 years were most likely to volunteer in primary and secondary education.
Sports volunteers were most likely to be aged 40-49 years and sports clubs were the most likely type of community organisation for men to volunteer for.
People aged 60 years and older were most likely to volunteer in social and health services.
