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NZ Herald
20-07-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Shona Graham honoured for 30 years of volunteering in Katikati
'I particularly love kids,' Graham said. 'That's where I'm most comfortable.' Why? 'Oh, you just learn from them all the time – like you're teaching them, but you're learning from them too,' Graham said. 'They're so open. I love that about them, you know, as adults, we close off a bit. 'We show the parts of ourselves that we want to be seen, whereas just like kids, I still like to be silly … I don't know … I get them, and they get me." Katikati Community Centre staff Nicky Austin, Rochelle Morrow, volunteer Shona Graham, with Jan de Faye and Sally Goodyear at work on a Katikati Spring Clean. Photo / Supplied Graham enjoys starting her week with two hours of reading with Katikati Primary students. At June's Kati Chat, the 56-year-old was recognised for 30 years of volunteer work in her community of Katikati. Graham was enjoying hearing about others being celebrated when she was presented with a Lifetime Volunteer Award, by Volunteering Services for her outstanding contribution. Graham said when she answered a newspaper advert calling for volunteers to help with Katikati's Christmas Float Parade back in 1995, she never imagined it would spark a 30-year journey in community service. 'I thought that would be a good way to meet people. It all started from there.' A pregnant Graham and partner Peter Cox had moved to Katikati from the United Kingdom with their 3-year-old daughter Hannah in 1995 and bought a lifestyle block south of town. 'Hannah was in kindy and it [volunteering] was just a way to get into the community really.' The parade work morphed into volunteering at Katikati Resource Centre – today called Katikati Community Centre – then the school holiday programme and after-school care, and on to all kinds of expos and events hosted by the centre. 'I met Chris Ridder [former Katikati Resource Centre manager] and she'd just started the school holiday programme the year before. 'I was like: 'Yeah, we'll give it a whirl' and I'm still there. Then of course I just became part and parcel of the centre,' Graham said. Other acts of love have been participating in Katikati's annual Spring Clean events with daughter Phoebe, health expos and in recent years, community picnics and the Festival of Cultures. 'This is a big one for me. I love this. 'I just feel it brings our community together and it's so lovely to see how many different cultures live here.' Graham smiles when she thinks of how the Recognised Seasonal Employer workers get so into it: 'I love that they're so enthusiastic'. Shona Graham with her Lifetime Volunteer Award, presented by Volunteering Services, in recognition of her 30 years of outstanding contribution. Photo / Supplied How did she volunteer when she had two preschool-aged kids? 'Peter and I were gardeners, so I was lucky enough to have both of my girls at home when they were little. The block of land we bought was bare and we wanted to be as self-sufficient as we could,' the avid vege gardener said. 'So I didn't have to work full-time because of the simple lifestyle that we chose.' Graham said Cox reinvented himself, turning his hands to all sorts of work. When Phoebe went to school, the couple took on gardening and never looked back. Cox got roped into various things, 'usually for the holiday programme'. Volunteering is a family affair for Graham. Her mother volunteered when she was young – and now daughter Phoebe volunteers at the centre. 'My mum had the time and she taught us that if you can give back a bit, it just makes our communities work and you meet people you wouldn't usually.' After nearly three decades, Graham said she's practically part of the building: 'The centre's been such a big part of my life – and I guess I've become part of it too. Some of the kids I'm working with now are the children of people I did classes for years ago. 'It's pretty special.' So what keeps driving her to keep giving? 'Volunteering is so good for the soul. Once you start, you'll see how if everyone gave a little bit back, our communities would all be thriving.' She knows for some 'it's not their bag', but for Graham, 'I'm a people person. I love it.' Katikati Community Centre manager Nicky Austin said it would be impossible to count the hours that Graham had given to her community. 'She's cheery, positive, hard-working, and we couldn't survive without her.' Katikati News had to sit in with her on a Katikati Primary School reading recovery lesson just to catch up with her. The school's literacy specialist teacher, Andrea Menhinick, said Graham was a huge asset to their team of volunteer readers. 'She forms beautiful relationships [with the students], she's just so pleased to see the kids, and they pick that up. 'But what I find exceptional about her is that even when students are on their way to assembly, and they have to just sit and wait – Shona is there with a child and a book so that she makes the use of every minute,' Menhinick said. 'She is so invested in the children.' Shona Graham with Katikati Community Centre's Rochelle Morrow. Photo / Supplied This journalist remembers Graham being a comforting voice the first time she dropped her child off for the school holiday programme. However, Graham is quick to say others are more worthy of an award than her. 'I don't like to blow my own horn.' But she was very proud. 'It was lovely to be recognised. My daughters and Peter were very proud, and he thought it was hilarious because he knows I don't like being in the spotlight.'
Scoop
10-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
30 Years Of Service And Still Smiling: Shona Graham's Gift To Katikati
Press Release – Volunteering Services Nicky Austin from the Katikati Community Centre says,It would be impossible to count the hours Shona has given to the Katikati community. Shes cheery, positive, hardworking, and we couldnt survive without her. When Shona Graham first answered a newspaper ad calling for volunteers to help with Katikati's Christmas Float Parade, she never imagined it would spark a 30-year journey in community service. 'There was an ad in the paper for volunteers, and I thought that would be a good way to meet people,' Shona recalls. 'It all started from there.' Since then, she's supported a huge range of centre-led initiatives — from School Holiday Programmes and After School Care to the Festival of Cultures, Spring Clean events, Health Expos, and more. Alongside her helping hands, Shona is also known for her kind heart and the fresh fruit and plants she donates from her garden. Nicky Austin from the Katikati Community Centre says, 'It would be impossible to count the hours Shona has given to the Katikati community. She's cheery, positive, hardworking, and we couldn't survive without her.' Volunteering has always been a family affair for Shona. Her mum was a volunteer, and Shona herself started while pregnant with her youngest daughter — who later worked on reception and still volunteers at the Centre today. Shona laughs that after nearly three decades, she's practically part of the building. 'The Centre's been such a big part of my life — and I guess I've become part of it too.' 'Some of the kids I'm working with now are the children of people I did classes for years ago,' she says. 'It's pretty special.' In June, while attending Kati Chat, Shona was enjoying hearing others being celebrated when something unexpected happened. 'I was listening to all the amazing things happening, and suddenly realised they were talking about me!' she says. 'I looked at my workmate and just went, 'Oh no!'' Shona received the Lifetime Volunteer Award, presented by Volunteering Services, in recognition of her 30 years of outstanding contribution. When asked what she'd say to someone considering volunteering, her advice was heartfelt and simple: 'Volunteering is so good for the soul. Once you start, you'll see how if everyone gave a little bit back, our communities would all be thriving.' Volunteering Services offers support, connection, 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 kaupapa, we're here to help.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
30 Years Of Service And Still Smiling: Shona Graham's Gift To Katikati
When Shona Graham first answered a newspaper ad calling for volunteers to help with Katikati's Christmas Float Parade, she never imagined it would spark a 30-year journey in community service. 'There was an ad in the paper for volunteers, and I thought that would be a good way to meet people,' Shona recalls. 'It all started from there.' Since then, she's supported a huge range of centre-led initiatives — from School Holiday Programmes and After School Care to the Festival of Cultures, Spring Clean events, Health Expos, and more. Alongside her helping hands, Shona is also known for her kind heart and the fresh fruit and plants she donates from her garden. Nicky Austin from the Katikati Community Centre says, 'It would be impossible to count the hours Shona has given to the Katikati community. She's cheery, positive, hardworking, and we couldn't survive without her.' Volunteering has always been a family affair for Shona. Her mum was a volunteer, and Shona herself started while pregnant with her youngest daughter — who later worked on reception and still volunteers at the Centre today. Shona laughs that after nearly three decades, she's practically part of the building. 'The Centre's been such a big part of my life — and I guess I've become part of it too.' 'Some of the kids I'm working with now are the children of people I did classes for years ago,' she says. 'It's pretty special.' In June, while attending Kati Chat, Shona was enjoying hearing others being celebrated when something unexpected happened. 'I was listening to all the amazing things happening, and suddenly realised they were talking about me!' she says. 'I looked at my workmate and just went, 'Oh no!'' Shona received the Lifetime Volunteer Award, presented by Volunteering Services, in recognition of her 30 years of outstanding contribution. When asked what she'd say to someone considering volunteering, her advice was heartfelt and simple: 'Volunteering is so good for the soul. Once you start, you'll see how if everyone gave a little bit back, our communities would all be thriving.' Volunteering Services offers support, connection, 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 kaupapa, we're here to help.
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.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
A Week To Celebrate Volunteers
From June 15-21, National Volunteer Week will shine a light on the millions of people across Aotearoa New Zealand who dedicate their time to support others. This year's theme Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together – captures the way volunteering strengthens the fabric of our community, weaving a stronger, more inclusive Aotearoa. Volunteering Services Manager, Angela Wallace, shares the gratitude the team has for the individuals and groups volunteering in the Bay. 'Every day, I'm inspired by the generosity, compassion, and dedication of people who give their time to help others,' Angela says. 'National Volunteer Week is our chance to say a big, heartfelt thank you. You make our community warmer, stronger, and more connected." Volunteering Services, a division of SociaLink Tūhono Pāpori, is the local volunteer centre for the Western Bay of Plenty. Whether you're an organisation seeking volunteer assistance or a volunteer looking for a new way to give back, the Volunteering Services team are here to help. With 120 member organisations and over 70 volunteer opportunities to choose from, they can connect you with a volunteer role you will love. The annual week is a time to recognise volunteer efforts and encourage more Kiwis to consider lending a hand. Volunteering New Zealand reports more than half of New Zealanders (53%) volunteer with an average of 18.1 hours over a period of four weeks. Compared to 2021 figures of 50.7% and 15.9 hours, respectively more Kiwis are increasing the rate and depth of their volunteering. This rise shows a growth in community involvement, and here in the Western Bay of Plenty, there are countless opportunities to support local initiatives. In recognition of the dedication of local volunteers, Volunteering Services will host The Big Shout Out morning tea during National Volunteer Week at The Kollective. The event will bring together for-purpose organisations and volunteers from across Tauranga Moana to thank them for their dedication and contribution to the community. Events in Te Puke, Katikati and Waihī Beach are also planned. Adding to the celebration will be the announcement of the Volunteering Services Volunteer Star Awards. 'We're so grateful to everyone who nominated,' Angela shares. 'The judges had a difficult time selecting winners from so many brilliant nominations'. For more information on volunteering opportunities in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, visit or call (07) 987 0920.
