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For young people starting out in their careers, volunteering abroad offers invaluable skills, insights, and experiences that will benefit them far beyond their time abroad. Recently returned UniVol Rose encourages young volunteers to step outside of their comfort zones saying that volunteering will shape them in ways they may not expect.

Kalena's experience, as both a staff member and a volunteer, has shown her that volunteering, while challenging, can profoundly impact both the volunteer and the community that you serve. "You have the ability to leave a profound and measurable difference in your wake. Don't squander that opportunity," she says.

The local organisations that we partner with, such as 'Uluaki Faiako, are essential to building stronger communities. 'Uluaki Faiako plays a crucial role in providing access to education, therapy, and essential resources to children with special needs and their families.

On behalf of the entire VSA whānau, we thank departing VSA Council member, Tiffany Babington, for her dedication and service, and wish her the best for the next part of her journey. Go well, Tiffany!

In the lead-up to the 2025 budget, an open letter from New Zealand's international development NGOs has asked the government to increase aid spending in the Pacific region, at a time of significant cutbacks by other bilateral donors.

For Marie Aekins, volunteering is not just about the work - it's about the transformation that happens within, both for the volunteer and the community that they serve.

Teall Crossen has played a key role in advancing gender-responsive policies and capacity building in Timor-Leste. By ensuring that women's voices are heard in climate policy and resource allocation, her work has helped to lay the foundation for more inclusive, equitable, and effective climate action.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), Samoa, CEO Seuseu Dr Joseph Tauati says that VSA volunteers have been a great help in building capacity across the organisation, both now and in the past. VSA has been in partnership with MAF for over eight years and recently had three volunteers placed with them.

For many people around the world, sport is more than just a game — it's a source of joy, hope and opportunity, and it helps to bring people together. In many communities, however, access to proper sports equipment is a luxury and hard to get. VSA volunteer Mark Young has decided to do something about it.

In case you missed it on our social media channels! VSA is delighted to congratulate Dr Hilary Smith, past VSA Council member and long-time volunteer, on being awarded the prestigious New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year's Honours list.

Current volunteer Beryl Riley has been working in Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, as a Youth Counsellor Mentor since July. Here, she shares some of her experiences in her own words.

The first women’s refuge in East New Britain is thriving with their first cocoa harvest.

Current VSA volunteer Lyndsey Bartlett tells us about two recent serendipitous encounters – and what they taught her about life on assignment.

Two volunteers’ journey with early childhood education in Timor-Leste. This article was written by fellow Timor-Leste volunteer, Cheryl Tyler.

Rebecca Anderson-Griffith worked as a Sign Language Teacher both in-country in Tonga and as an e-volunteer. She shares an insight into her ‘very meaningful’ year volunteering.

Gerard O’Brien tells us about developing capacity in the Solomon Islands’ health and fitness sector.

A Q&A with returned volunteer Chris Williamson

Michaela Powell tells us about developing speech language therapy capacity in Samoa.

Returned volunteer Sarah Togher tells us what’s been unique about volunteering in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

What do Samsung, Toyota, and pig farmers in Timor-Leste have in common?