A very good day. Well-organised, and some inspiring speakers. It has given me some pointers on things I could work on in our own volunteer programme.
Volunteering New Zealand Conference 2026
The Rydges Hotel
Rotorua, New Zealand
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:
Leadership
Social cohesion
Flexible volunteering in action
Working effectively with youth
Māori social enterprises
New Volunteer Leadership Skills Matrix
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
Featured speakers
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.
Aditi Tiwari
Aditi Tiwari is a first-generation migrant wahine, youth advocate, governance practitioner and community leader. As Youth Engagement and Project Coordinator at Voice of Aroha, she has designed and led youth initiatives that bring together volunteers, community organisations, local and central government, and diverse communities across Aotearoa. Her work focuses on empowering rangatahi, particularly those from migrant, refugee, and ethnic backgrounds, to move from participating in their communities to shaping them.
Professor Kelli Te Maihāroa
Kaihautu: Capable Māori, Capable NZ. Kelli provides strategic Māori leadership for Capable NZ and iwi cohorts throughout Aotearoa.
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.
Testimonials
This hui was yet another Volunteering New Zealand success. I gained a positive perspective of diverse and changing environments... a great collaboration of like-minded individuals and organisations.
There is a lot of mahi aroha during the hui. Greatly appreciate the love and passion everyone brings to the hui.
Agenda
- 8:00 am - 8:45 am
Registration and coffee
Pick up your name badge, conference bag, and free coffee
- 8:45 am
Welcome and conference opening
The mana whenua will welcome us, and our MC will open the conference
- 9:00 am
Keynote speakers: Dr Ellen Joan Ford and Shamubeel Eaqub
- 10:15 am
Morning tea, kōrero and networking
- 10:40 am
The Champions Project, Giving and Social Enterprise, Volunteer Leadership Skills Matrix
Learn about some key initiatives, and solutions.
- 11:45 am
Workshop sessions 1
- 12:30 pm
Lunch, kōrero and networking
- 1:30 pm
NZ Volunteer Awards presentation
- 2:00 pm
Workshop sessions 2
- 2:45 pm
Afternoon tea
- 3:00 pm
Sector updates
Hear updates from Capable NZ, Lottery Grants Board and more
- 3:30 pm
Closing keynote: Aditi Tiwari
- 4:30 pm
Closing remarks and farewell
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Seek Volunteer Networking event
Join us for a celebratory drink, and canapes.
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