Hato Hone St John is marking International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMD) by thanking the people who lead and mentor its volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Held annually on 5 November, IVMD recognises both paid and volunteer leaders who support volunteering.
This year’s celebrations also fall within the United Nations’ International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development 2026.
Emma Butler, Hato Hone St John Deputy Chief Executive People, says this year’s theme, “Legacy and Leadership: Honouring the Past, Present and Future”, recognises the people who have shaped volunteer management and those leading it today and into the future.
“Hato Hone St John has more than seven thousand volunteers. Our volunteer managers and leaders play an essential role in helping people contribute their skills and time with confidence.
“Taking on a volunteer leadership role, including both paid and volunteer leadership avenues, means making a commitment to other people. It involves welcoming new volunteers, coaching them to develop, organising teams and being someone they can turn to for guidance.
“Many of our leaders volunteer their own time to do this. We’re grateful for the care, judgement and practical support they bring to their teams.
“The skills and knowledge our leaders pass on also help prepare others to take on leadership roles in the future."
Ms Butler says supporting these leaders is part of Hato Hone St John’s commitment to sustaining volunteering.
“Our people bring enormous commitment to volunteering, and we have a responsibility to support them well. That means listening to their experiences, helping them develop and recognising their contribution.”
Hato Hone St John's volunteer sustainability plan, Mahi Aroha, focuses on creating the conditions for every volunteer to feel safe and empowered to make a positive difference in their communities. It guides how the organisation works alongside volunteers and equips leaders to support their teams.
“To everyone who takes on these roles: Thank you. Your leadership helps our volunteers do their best for the communities we serve.”
Volunteer management, leadership and support roles span Hato Hone St John’s programmes and activities with 375 people who step forward to support teams across:
- St John Youth: Supporting youth leaders to deliver programmes that build young people’s confidence, first aid knowledge and leadership skills.
- Caring Caller (including ASB Caring Callers): Supporting volunteers who provide friendship and connection through regular phone calls.
- Ambulance Operations and Event Health Services: Leading and supporting volunteers who provide patient care in communities and at events.
- Major Incident Support Team: Coordinating volunteers who provide logistical and practical support during major incidents and events.
- Waka Ora Health Shuttles: Supporting volunteer teams who help people get to health appointments.
- Community Education: Supporting volunteers who deliver 3 Steps for Life (Sponsored by MAS) sessions, and St John in Schools helping communities learn CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Area Committees: Providing local leadership, strengthening community relationships and supporting fundraising and local initiatives.
- Retail stores: Supporting volunteer teams whose work turns donated goods into funds for Hato Hone St John’s services.
- Peer Support: Guiding volunteer peer supporters who provide psychological support to Hato Hone St John people.
- Chaplaincy: Supporting volunteer chaplains who provide pastoral care to Hato Hone St John people.
- Heritage and Archives: Supporting volunteers who keep Hato Hone St John’s history and legacy alive.
- Governance: Chairing and supporting volunteer members of the Order of Hato Hone St John governing boards and committees.
ENDS
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include the free 3 Steps for Life programme (sponsored by MAS), Waka Ora Health Shuttles, Caring Callers (including ASB Caring Callers), St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
- Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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