Events

Come to VSA's photo exhibition and help us celebrate 50 years of volunteering.

Windows to another world explores the diverse cultures of the Pacific, Africa and Asia through 50 remarkable amateur photographs taken by VSA volunteers and staff over 50 years of volunteering abroad.

Coming to a city near you ...

Koha entry.

Duk Duks, members of a secret society based in the Rabaul area, make their way through forest covered with ash from the nearby Tavurvur volcano during a ceremony to celebrate the life of a local big man. Papua New Guinea, 2008. Photograph Layne Stevenson.

See photographs that will intrigue and inspire you. Through the eyes of New Zealand volunteers you’ll discover compelling and engaging stories that tell of real life in these rich and varied cultures. Get a unique insight into what it is like to live and work as a volunteer in a developing country and see for yourself the culture, sights and life in countries that range from Nepal and Thailand, Zambia and South Africa to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

We will be running a competition on our Facebook page to win a double invitation to the Opening Night of the exhibition in each centre.

Vote for the people’s choice

Come along and vote for your favourite photo at the exhibition and be in the draw to win a limited edition print created especially for VSA by Samoan New Zealand artist Fatu Feu’u worth over $1,000.  The winner of this beautiful limited print will be notified by 1 August 2012.

Download the exhibition poster.

Other events to celebrate our 50th anniversary

Save the date - reunion dinner for returned volunteers

The 2012 VSA Congress will include a reunion dinner for returned volunteers in Wellington on Saturday 10 November (date and details to be confirmed). All returned volunteers have been sent an invitation.

Share your memories on our website

We have now set up an area on our website where you can share your memories of your assignment. All you need to do is write short answers to a few simple questions and email them to us, along with a photo of you on assignment and one of you now. 

Go here to download the questions – and to check out posts from other VSA alumni.

Branch events

To find out what other celebrations might be taking place within your local branch of VSA, please contact your branch secretary.

Go here for information on how to join a branch of VSA.

Auckland

Journey of 1,000 miles – to celebrate 50 years of VSA, we’re inviting you to join a VSA ‘country team’ on Sunday 9 September and take part in our walking rally around Auckland City. Dress up, follow the clues, complete the challenge, and your team could win a prize! 12.30 am until around 2pm, concluding with a “coffee and tea of the world tasting” at the Pioneer Hall, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland Central, until 5.30pm. $20 per person, please phone Shona (09 360 0757) to register by 1 September. Download the flyer for full details.

Canterbury

50th Anniversary dinner, Monday 6th August, at The Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Terrace, Cashmere, Christchurch. Contact Beulah Edwards to register to attend.

Manawatu

Drinks and nibbles followed by guest speaker Anglican Archbishop David Moxon (a former school leaver from Palmerston North) at Caccia Birch conference centre, Friday 21 September. Full details to be confirmed.

Nelson

The Top of the South Branch is holding a special anniversary event on Saturday 7 July at 7pm at NMIT Kowhai Lounge (N block). The evening will celebrate and raise awareness of the contribution TOTS people have made to international volunteering. The evening will begin with an audiovisual presentation followed by socialising over a cup of tea/coffee and a piece of cake. Returned volunteers, friends, family and anyone with an interest in volunteering with VSA are all invited.

Returned volunteers, please note the request that you wear something (clothing or accessory) from the country of your assignment. For further details please contact Carol Hulse by email.

Wellington
Celebratory branch dinner at Hazel Restaurant (corner Majoribanks St and Roxburgh St, Mt Victoria), on Friday 22 June at 6.30pm. $35 per person. Please contact Wellington Branch secretary Sue Watt if you would like to attend. Numbers are limited, so please register early.

Donate now to help VSA keep sending volunteers abroad to make positive change.