Latest news with #HuntforGood
Scoop
03-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Jasper Osborne Honoured As Volunteer Of The Year
Press Release – Volunteering Services While Jasper might prefer to stay out of the spotlight, his volunteer impact is undeniable. For him, the most rewarding part isnt the recognition its sharing the heartfelt feedback from the community with his team of volunteer hunters. In a standout moment at the 2025 Volunteer Star Awards, Jasper Osborne was named Volunteer of the Year during Volunteering Services' Big Shout Out Morning Tea in June. Jasper is the driving force behind Stoney Creek's Hunt for Good, a non-profit organisation dedicated to culling wild deer and donating venison and wild game meat to community groups across Aotearoa. From the Bay of Plenty to Hawke's Bay and the Manawatū, Jasper's work is not only helping to restore ecological balance, it's also putting nutritious kai into the hands of those who need it most. Local organisation Kura Kai is among the grateful recipients of Hunt for Good's meat packs — used to create hearty meals for students and their whānau. 'Jasper is quite possibly the busiest person I know but never complains,' shared his nominator, Marie Paterson of Kura Kai. 'He's holding down a full-time job, running this non-profit, and spending most weekends hunting. You can tell he just loves this mahi — and we do too.' While Jasper might prefer to stay out of the spotlight, his volunteer impact is undeniable. For him, the most rewarding part isn't the recognition — it's sharing the heartfelt feedback from the community with his team of volunteer hunters. 'It's pretty cool being able to tell the guys the stories that come back from the groups we support,' Jasper says. 'They all love doing it. For a lot of the team, it's also about taking a break from busy, stressful lives. Spending time out in the bush together does wonders for our mental health and knowing it's helping people makes it even better.' The kaupapa ticks a lot of boxes, he adds. 'Being good for the community is such an added bonus. For anyone thinking about volunteering, just give it a go. Find something you love, and you'll find a way to give back through it.' Jasper's journey is a powerful reminder that volunteering can achieve much more than a single outcome. His time and dedication supports communities, manages local ecosystems, and offers his team a sense of connection and wellbeing. Thinking of volunteering? Volunteering Services offers support and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you're keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your cause, we're here to help. Learn more at or call us on (07) 987 0920.
Scoop
03-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Jasper Osborne Honoured As Volunteer Of The Year
In a standout moment at the 2025 Volunteer Star Awards, Jasper Osborne was named Volunteer of the Year during Volunteering Services' Big Shout Out Morning Tea in June. Jasper is the driving force behind Stoney Creek's Hunt for Good, a non-profit organisation dedicated to culling wild deer and donating venison and wild game meat to community groups across Aotearoa. From the Bay of Plenty to Hawke's Bay and the Manawatū, Jasper's work is not only helping to restore ecological balance, it's also putting nutritious kai into the hands of those who need it most. Local organisation Kura Kai is among the grateful recipients of Hunt for Good's meat packs — used to create hearty meals for students and their whānau. 'Jasper is quite possibly the busiest person I know but never complains,' shared his nominator, Marie Paterson of Kura Kai. 'He's holding down a full-time job, running this non-profit, and spending most weekends hunting. You can tell he just loves this mahi — and we do too.' While Jasper might prefer to stay out of the spotlight, his volunteer impact is undeniable. For him, the most rewarding part isn't the recognition — it's sharing the heartfelt feedback from the community with his team of volunteer hunters. 'It's pretty cool being able to tell the guys the stories that come back from the groups we support,' Jasper says. 'They all love doing it. For a lot of the team, it's also about taking a break from busy, stressful lives. Spending time out in the bush together does wonders for our mental health and knowing it's helping people makes it even better.' The kaupapa ticks a lot of boxes, he adds. 'Being good for the community is such an added bonus. For anyone thinking about volunteering, just give it a go. Find something you love, and you'll find a way to give back through it.' Jasper's journey is a powerful reminder that volunteering can achieve much more than a single outcome. His time and dedication supports communities, manages local ecosystems, and offers his team a sense of connection and wellbeing. Thinking of volunteering? Volunteering Services offers support and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you're keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your cause, we're here to help. Learn more at or call us on (07) 987 0920.
Scoop
27-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Shining Stars Of Volunteering Recognised In The Western Bay
Volunteers who go above and beyond for their communities were celebrated at the Volunteer Star Awards by Volunteering Services. The event was held during the Tauranga Big Shout Out Morning Tea at The Kollective on June 18th, as part of National Volunteer Week. The awards recognised individuals from across the Western Bay of Plenty for their exceptional commitment and generosity. As part of the opening, the attendees were welcomed by Councillor Marten Rozeboom. 'I tip my hat to anyone who's prepared to give up a portion of their life to make someone else's life better', Rozeboom shared. Spanning six diverse categories, this year's Volunteer Star Award winners reflect the depth of volunteerism in our region. From environmental action to youth support, neighbourhood care to lifetime dedication, each recipient showcases the powerful impact of giving time for the good of others. 2025 Volunteer Star Award Winners Rising Star – Youth Volunteer: Hannah Secker A talented baker and long-time supporter of Under the Stars, Hannah began helping as a child with her family and now creates weekly homemade desserts for those experiencing homelessness. Her creativity, reliability and warmth are a gift to all. New Light – Newcomer Volunteer: Emily-Kay Livick Emily recently stepped into the role of Achilles Tauranga chapter leader, advocating for disabled children and young people who often miss out on long-distance running events. Her calm leadership and fresh energy are helping create a more inclusive local running community. Local Star – Neighbourhood Champion: Fareena Ali Fareena has volunteered for over a decade with Papamoa Food Hub and its predecessor. Tireless, cheerful, and deeply committed, she supports food relief efforts and is beloved by her fellow volunteers. Green Star – Environmental Volunteer: Jacquie Ashton Jacquie leads the Pest Free Ōmokoroa group, securing funding, growing volunteer networks, and building relationships with mana whenua. Her impact is visible across the peninsula — a true conservation leader working with heart. Guiding Light – Lifetime Volunteer: Shona Graham Celebrating 30 years with Katikati Community Centre, Shona has supported events, after-school care, holiday programmes and much more. Known for her positivity and generosity, she's considered a cornerstone of her community. Shining Star – Volunteer of the Year: Jasper Osborne Through Stoney Creek's Hunt for Good, Jasper donates wild game to community groups including Kura Kai. He balances full-time work with running the not-for-profit and weekend hunts — all to provide nutritious food for local whānau. With over 60 nominations put forward, Volunteering Services Manager, Angela Wallace shares 'Our judges had their work cut out for them with an overwhelming number of nominations and such incredible mahi happening in our region'. Volunteering Services thanks all nominators and community groups who participated — and everyone who makes time to care for others. Special mention also goes to NumberWorks'nWords Tauranga, Neighbourhood Support WBOP, Envirohub BOP, FreshChoice Papamoa, Leanne Brown - Harcourts Pāpāmoa, Tauranga City Council Welcoming Communities, The Coffee Club NZ for their generosity in sponsoring this year's prizes. For more information or to connect with local volunteering opportunities, please reach out on or call (07) 987-0920.
