Lifeblood, absolutely essential, caring community locals- some of the phrases our CAB Helensville volunteers are known for.
We celebrated their contribution during National Volunteer Week from June 14 to 20 under an extra special umbrella of the International Volunteer Year 2026. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer- Tou tau ki te tuao- recognises those who are volunteering and prompts others to start.
“Our current volunteers bring life’s experiences, different working backgrounds and a multitude of skills and talent to our CAB Helensville whanau,” says manager Rani Timoti. “However, having a heart for their community is the key to unlocking our service to clients. You could have all the qualifications but if you don’t want to make a difference by being selfless, patient with a listening ear and providing options not your opinions, then volunteering here will not work.”
Ongoing learning and development training and computer/technology skills, including using a CABNZ AI tool and our upgraded system, are expected and vital for a quality service in our changing society.
“One of the many advantages is the constant learning curve volunteers go through each roster- not only with clients and our L&D training, but working with each other to help with clients and training,” says Rani. “If you love to learn- this is definitely the place.”
Strong community connections are intrinsic with volunteers, many who wear other volunteering hats in South Kaipara.
In hosting the Community Support network group (COMSUP) each month, these agencies, organisations and individuals are important for CAB Helensville to refer clients to or to be a referral point for our specific information and role. “COMSUP continues to amaze me with such productive people who are embedded and active in their own mahi. We can share, advocate and co-act with each other to spur on and plan community events or projects. We also encourage one another as we face complex and layered issues with our society pressures and decisions impacting us,” says Rani.
Last month has been busy for volunteers running the office well and hosting the COMSUP meeting while Rani and Tania attended CABNZ’s national hui specifically for managers and co-ordinators- reaping the rewards of sharing ideas, tips and projects.
Catch-ups with community groups and organisations, including Waitemata Community Law Centre lawyers, are regular mainstays as well as meetings with fellow work colleagues from CAB North Shore in which Helensville is one of eight branches.
There have also been promotions including our extended treasure hunt project and national youth week celebration.
Meanwhile, if you’re feeling the pressure of bills, debt or just trying to stay on track, you don’t have to work through it alone. Come to CAB Helensville for our free budget clinic with Mary, our friendly Financial Mentor, who works Thursdays, 10am to 1pm. But she’s also available in Helensville on other days. Mary is from Henderson Budget Service and offers free, confidential financial mentoring to help you get organised, understand your options and feel more in control. She can support with budgeting, bills and debt management and planning ahead.
CAB Helensville is open at 16 Commercial Road from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and Saturday, 10am to noon. Pop in or call us on 09 420-7162.
