About VolunteerNet
If you're looking for opportunities to get involved in volunteering, or if you're looking for volunteers to help at an event you're organising, then you've come to the right place!
VolunteerNet is a new website that connects people looking for volunteering opportunities with event organisers looking for volunteers. Launched in July 2010, VolunteerNet makes it easy for New Zealanders to get involved in event volunteering. It also provides an on line tool to assist event organisers with their volunteer recruitment and management processes, while at the same time increasing the network of skilled volunteers available.
VolunteerNet is a 2011 Rugby World Cup legacy initiative that aims to leverage off the interest in volunteering for what will be the biggest sporting event ever hosted in New Zealand, to build a network of experienced and enthusiastic volunteers. Through VolunteerNet, these and other volunteers will be available well beyond 2011 to contribute to the success of other events happening in their communities.
More specifically, VolunteerNet aims to:
- Enhance the volunteer recruitment and management process for event organisers.
- Increase the network of skilled volunteers available to the events sector.
- Make event-related volunteering opportunities more accessible to all New Zealanders.
- Proactively connect volunteers with opportunities that match their skills and experience.
- Help promote volunteering in New Zealand in general.
VolunteerNet has been created by New Zealand Major Events, a unit within the Ministry of Economic Development. It's based on VolWeb technology developed by 2010 Legacies Now, a Canadian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to developing community legacies leading up to, during and beyond the hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver.
About New Zealand Major Events
New Zealand Major Events (NZME) is a unit within the Ministry of Economic Development that works in partnership with the events sector to help attract, retain, grow and deliver high quality major events in New Zealand. NZME is also responsible for administering the government's Major Events Development Fund, which is aimed at supporting major events that create lasting benefits for New Zealand. These benefits could include:
- Direct benefits, such as increasing tourism revenue or generating international exposure for New Zealand;
- Legacy benefits, such as local, regional or national infrastructure development or growth in participation rates; and
- Event capability benefits, such as building the management capability of the events sector or enhancing New Zealand's reputation as a major events destination.
Click here to learn more about New Zealand Major Events.
A Rugby World Cup 2011 Legacy
VolunteerNet is working with the organisers of Rugby World Cup 2011, in order to capture the learnings generated by the RWC Offical Volunteer Programme and provide an ongoing legacy of tools and advice to be utilised on VolunteerNet for a wide range of community, regional and national events.
The government was a key partner in New Zealand's bid to host RWC 2011. The tournament is expected to contribute more than $500 million to New Zealand's economy and will attract a global television audience in excess of 4 billion - putting New Zealand in the international spotlight like never before.
The Government now has three priorities for RWC 2011 - supporting the delivery of a successful tournament, ensuring New Zealand makes the most of the opportunities that come with hosting a major event, and ensuring the event leaves a lasting legacy.
The government's investment in assets and infrastructure for the RWC includes major stadium upgrades - the most significant being a $190 million investment in the redevelopment of Auckland's stadium into a world class Rugby World Cup finals venue - and securing public access to Auckland's Queens Wharf.
In September 2009, the ‘New Zealand 2011 Office' was established to coordinate the government's key RWC leverage and legacy activities and initiatives. Its work includes co-ordinating and leading the development of a nationwide festival and developing and rolling out a business engagement and hosting programme.
Click here to learn more about the work of the New Zealand 2011 Office.
