One year after losing overarching support, Taupō's volunteer community is now stronger than ever, says volunteer manager Julian Bishop.
When the Taupō Council of Social Services (TCOSS) closed its doors after over 30 years of dedicated service last year, the future of local volunteer coordination hung in the balance and what could have been the end of an era instead became the catalyst for renewal.
On his final day as Volunteer Great Lake Taupō (VGLT) coordinator under TCOSS, Bishop launched COMAVOL – the inaugural Community and Volunteer Expo – planting the seed for a replacement movement.
In the eleventh hour two crucial lifelines emerged, he says, emergency funding from the Department of Internal Affairs and the embrace of a new umbrella organisation, the Tongariro Natural History Society (Project Tongariro).
Known for conservation initiatives like Greening Taupō, Kids Greening Taupō, and Predator Free programmes, Project Tongariro's commitment to community and environment proved a perfect match for VGLT's vision.
"We are deeply grateful to Kiri Te Wano, CEO of Project Tongariro, and its board of trustees, who championed the transition and provided a much-needed bridge," says Bishop, who continues to lead VGLT.
"The support of long-time partners like Malcolm Flowers, Mad Media, and Quality Print ensured our vision had not just momentum, but a home to grow."
What began as a rescue mission has evolved into a renaissance, he says.
In 12 months, VGLT has, among other things, established a new board of trustees, secured charitable trust status, transformed COMAVOL into an annual event, pioneered micro-volunteering opportunities to make giving back more accessible, secured operational funding through the Taupō District Council accelerator fund and brought in Tremains as the naming sponsor for the Volunteer Service Awards.
"Last year, we weren't sure if Taupō would still have a volunteer centre. This year, we've never been busier," reflects Bishop.
The 2025 COMAVOL Community and Volunteer Expo, scheduled for June 7, is likely to eclipse last year's debut, he says.
Additionally, the Repair Café – a collaboration with Bike Taupō, TDC, the Timebank Community Garden, Project Tongariro and VGLT – returns on June 28.
For organisations seeking volunteer support who cannot attend COMAVOL, VGLT can help connect them with willing hands and passionate hearts, Bishop says.
He says volunteers who want to explore opportunities or connect with causes close to their heart should attend on June 7 or book a one-on-one at Waiora House. Times can be arranged at www.volunteerglt.org.nz
