A big thank you this National Volunteers Week… and every week!

A big thank you to the many volunteers who give countless hours to community organisations throughout the country.

National Volunteer Week honours the collective energies and efforts of volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand from 15 June.

This year’s theme is ‘whiria te tangata – weaving the people together’ and celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together.

Volunteering weaves us together, strengthening the fabric of our communities for a stronger, more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

Alzheimers NZ’s Board and many other Boards around the country are volunteers who play a vital role in keeping our essential services operating.

Chief Executive Catherine Hall says many organisations wouldn’t exist without the generosity of the many people who volunteer their time and energy – often for more than one organisaton.

“People in goveranance positions aren’t always seen on the frontline so it’s a nice reminder to thank everybody who works tirelessly to make their communities a better place.

“I’m privileged to work alongside a dedicated team of Board Members to help drive our vision of future where people living with dementia mate wareware are heard, valued and supported.”

Alongside the Board, the Alzheimers NZ Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) gives countless hours to ensure people living with dementia mate wareware and their whānau have meaningful input into the work we do.

“The lived experience is vital to ensure we’re grounded in the experience, needs and expectations of people living with dementia mate wareware,” she says.

“We value the wealth of experience our volunteers bring and appreciate the ongoing support.”

Recent changes

Welcome to new Board Chair Teresa Wall and new Vice Chair Celia Patrick who were elected at the most recent AGM in May.

Teresa holds many governance roles in the dementia mate wareware and wider health sector including Co-Chair of the Dementia Mate Wareware Leadership and Advisory Group (LEAG) and Acting Chair of Primary and Community Health Aotearoa.

Thanks to Clare Hynd for all she has contributed to our organisation in her four years as Chair.

Another welcome to Chris Gaul and Max Reid as new Board Members who will help bring a local view to the table.

The team includes Board and LEAG Member Alister Robertson, who’s been supporting Alzheimers NZ since 2016. He’s also been on the Board of Dementia Alliance International since then and served as Chair since 2021.

“There is a huge amount of hidden work in many of these roles so it’s really important we all take a moment to slow down and say thank you, this week… and every week,” says Catherine.

Caption: Alzheimers NZ Board and Members at the latest AGM in May