Volunteering New Zealand Conference 2026
Description
Volunteering New Zealand Conference: Friday 16 October 2026 at the Rydges Hotel, Rotorua.
Volunteering New Zealand’s annual conference is a key development opportunity for those leading volunteers.
Important note: to access the 'VNZ member ticket rate', you need to be a paid member of Volunteering New Zealand. Not sure if you're a member? Check the member list on our website here.
The Volunteering New Zealand Conference is for volunteer managers, leaders of volunteers and organisations that work through a volunteer workforce. It is a space to connect with peers, share learning and explore practical approaches that strengthen volunteering practice.
· Network and share with colleagues from across the sector.
· Explore research, storytelling, inclusion, volunteer management and future-focused practice.
· Work together to influence the future of volunteering in Aotearoa.
· Leave with practical ideas, new connections and renewed energy for your mahi.
Keynote speakers, facilitated discussions and workshops include:
Storytelling - volunteer impact
The economics of the sector
Flexible volunteering in action
Working effectively with youth
Māori social enterprises
New Volunteer Manager Competencies
Speakers include:
Shamubeel Eaqub, Chief Economist, Simplicity
Dr Ellen Joan Ford
Jane Treadwell-Hoy, Good Bitches Baking
Aditi Tiwari, Voice of Aroha
Plus:
Two workshop sessions with a choice of three workshops
Networking opportunities
Optional Masterclass on Thursday 15 October - Positive Youth Development Aotearoa training
The Kauri Room, Rydges Hotel, Rotorua
Overview:
Discover and explore your personal leadership strengths
Understand and develop your leadership style
Build sustainable, values-based leadership practices
Navigate common leadership challenges in the volunteering sector
Lead with empathy, care and cultural responsiveness
To learn more, visit the Volunteering New Zealand Conference website.
Ticket information
The Conference and Masterclass and Networking can be purchased separately or as part of a packaged ticket
A suite of packaged tickets are available until sold out - get in quick! (Scroll to the bottom of the ticket list)
The closing networking event after the conference is separately ticketed
Learn more about speakers, discounted accommodation options and other logistics on our Volunteering New Zealand Conference website.
Are you a member? Get a discounted price!
Check your membership status here: VNZ Membership list
Speakers - with more to come
Shamubeel Eaqub
Shamubeel Eaqub makes economics easy and fun. Shamubeel is the Chief Economist at Simplicity. He is also an author, media commentator and a thought leading public speaker. He balances a portfolio of economics, consulting, public speaking, governance and family duties.
Dr Ellen Joan Ford
Dr Ellen Joan Ford is terrifyingly ambitious about improving the working world for people and for organisations. New Zealand media have described her as an “extraordinary leader” and a “change-the-freaking-world person”. She is an award-winning leader, researcher, military veteran, international speaker, TEDx speaker, facilitator, consultant and parent. She shares stories with her audience in a way that is relatable, highly engaging and full of practical takeaways.
Dr Anmar Taufeek
Dr Anmar Taufeek is a community leader and public sector professional based in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a strong commitment to strengthening inclusive and connected communities. With experience across local government, infrastructure, and community engagement, Anmar brings a practical and people-centred approach to leadership. As a speaker, she shares insights on engaging diverse communities, fostering belonging, and the evolving role of volunteering in shaping resilient societies.
Jane Treadwell-Hoye
Jane Treadwell-Hoye is a strategic leader, connector, and champion of purpose-driven work. She leads Good Bitches Baking as General Manager and runs her consultancy, Necto, helping businesses and charities to do good, well. Jane brings creativity and strategic insight to building inclusive, connected communities.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
