Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has asked that staff look at a range of ways it can do more work with the voluntary sector to deliver activities that contribute to council outcomes.

Currently there are approximately 1,241,000 registered volunteers in New Zealand (34 per cent of the population). Approximately 2,200 of these are registered with Volunteer Western Bay of Plenty, and of these 1,350 are currently active. These volunteers take part in a range of activities.

Throughout our region there are almost 70 care groups involving more than 1,500 volunteers. In our Coast Care programme alone there are 25 care groups with 1,020 registered volunteers, who have made 3,200 volunteer appearances at Coast Care events, clocking up 13,000 hours of volunteer time. This year we had 80 volunteer wardens who were trained to assist harbour masters on lakes and harbours, educating people on safe boating practices. Then there was the Rena response, with volunteers providing an amazing 23,000 hours of volunteer effort.

Anecdotal reports indicate there has been an upsurge in volunteering, which can be attributed to a number of factors but most significantly to increased awareness. Surveys indicate that volunteers see their contribution as very positive and that volunteering helps them to feel part of the community. Council is keen to work in partnership with its community and looking at how it can better support the volunteer sector to make a difference is seen as one way to do this.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579-5150. Or you can check out my website at www.janenees.co.nz