Governor-General becomes Patron of Volunteering New Zealand
Volunteering New Zealand is pleased to announce the Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, as their Patron.
Volunteering New Zealand’s Chairperson Gillian Peacock says that “Sir Jerry Mateparae has a passion for volunteering in New Zealand and is the ideal patron for our organisation”.
The Governor-General hosted a reception at Government House Wellington, as part of International Volunteer Day (5 December). Invited guests included volunteers, managers of volunteers and community leaders.
Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae recognise the value of volunteering, and the commitment and diversity of the thousands of volunteers around the country.
“Today we celebrate the 25th International Volunteers Day. Today we also celebrate the 10th Anniversary of International Year of Volunteers 2001. And most importantly, today we turn to thank the many thousands of New Zealanders who work as volunteers,” said Sir Jerry Mateparae.
The very first ‘State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) is to be launched today by United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme during the General Assembly’s morning plenary session on volunteering. The Report is expected to enhance perspectives of volunteerism worldwide, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark will make a keynote speech.
Through voluntary actions, millions of people are contributing to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It will increase recognition of the critical role of UNV as an organisation that sets standards in peace and development, as well as in volunteerism, in the United Nations system.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of International Volunteer Day at the UN.
“Volunteers are vital to society, and organisations that involve volunteers must understand the need to adapt to fit and match volunteer roles in today changing society,” says Gillian Peacock.
For more information visit:
www.volunteeringnz.org.nz
www.worldvolunteerweb.org