Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is VolunteerNet?
VolunteerNet helps to connect you with volunteering opportunities at events happening in your community, from local festivals, fundraisers and community celebrations to conferences, trade shows and major sporting events. It works a bit like an internet dating website where you can search for opportunities and events taking place in your community and beyond that match your skills and interests. And likewise, event organisers can search for registered volunteers that have the skills and interests that match their needs.
Q. Who can register to volunteer on VolunteerNet?
Anyone in New Zealand can register as a volunteer on VolunteerNet, although registrations are monitored and approved by the site administrator.
Q. Is there a minimum age for registering on VolunteerNet?
No, anyone can register on VolunteerNet. However, many events will have minimum age requirements for their volunteers. It is the reposnibility of event organisers to ensure volunteers of all ages are suitably matched with roles and that all appropriate checks are in place. Event organisers are responsible for gaining parental permission for volunteers aged under 18 years.
Q. Does it cost anything to register on VolunteerNet?
No, registration is absolutely free - for both volunteers and event organisers.
Q. Does registering on VolunteerNet guarantee me a job at an event?
No, VolunteerNet simply connects you with the event – it’s the event organiser’s responsibility to manage the volunteer recruitment and selection process for their respective events.
Q. How do I register as a Volunteer?
Click on “I want to volunteer” in the left hand menu of the home page and follow the links. You’ll be required to complete a registration form that will set up your volunteer profile. The more detail you provide, the easier it will be for VolunteerNet to find opportunities that match your skills and interests.
Once you’ve completed registration there will be a short waiting period while your registration is approved. Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation e-mail, at which point you can login and start searching for volunteer opportunities.
Q. What if I change my email address / username?
The e-mail address you used to register with VolunteerNet is also your username. You can change your username and password or update any other information in your profile at any time – simply login and click on “My Profile” on your dashboard menu.
Q. I've forgotten my password! What should I do?
Click on the "Forgot Info?" link in the login box and enter the e-mail address (your username) you used to register with VolunteerNet. Your password will then be sent to that address.
Q. How private is the information I put on VolunteerNet?
Your volunteer profile including your name, skills, experience and volunteering preferences can be seen by all event organisers registered with VolunteerNet. However, your contact details will not be visible until you give permission, by either by accepting an invitation from the event organiser or when the event organiser accepts an application from you. For more information, read VolunteerNet’s Privacy Statement.
Q. I’ve applied to volunteer at an event, but I’m no longer available – what should I do?
If something unavoidable has come up and you’re no longer available for an event, log in to your dashboard and click on "Withdraw" below that event. An automated email will be sent advising the event organiser that you're no longer available.
If you've actually been confirmed in a position then it would pay to also contact the event organiser directly to let them know – asap! Finding reliable volunteers for events is a never ending challenge for many event organisers – so try not to do this too often if you can help it.
Q. I applied for a volunteer position but have not heard back from the event organiser - what should I do?
If you haven't heard back from the event organiser after 5 working days, go to the “My Applications” section of your dashboard and click on the reminder button. This will send the event organiser an email reminding them to respond to your application (you can only do this once).
If you still have no luck, please let VolunteerNet know and we will chase up those event organisers that are slow in responding!
Q. Can I register on VolunteerNet if I am from overseas?
VolunteerNet only lists volunteering opportunities in New Zealand. If you are visiting New Zealand you may be eligible to volunteer however current New Zealand immigration policies do not provide for a visa or permit for the sole purpose of volunteering. If you have a student permit, visitor permit or work permit and you are in New Zealand you can volunteer provided you do not receive any gain or reward for the activity you volunteered for.
Please seek advice from Immigration New Zealand at www.immigration.govt.nz
Q. Do I need to do anything after volunteering at an event?
VolunteerNet lets you keep track of all the events you have volunteered at and the hours you contributed (to include in your CV). Login to your VolunteerNet account and click on the “My History” tab on your dashboard menu to view all the past events you have volunteered at. You can also enter the number of volunteer hours you worked at the event.
Remember that VolunteerNet would also welcome any stories and/or photos you have to share about your volunteering experiences – the best of which we’ll feature on the website. Sen them to info@volunteernet.org.nz
Q. How can I organise a group to volunteer together at an event?
VolunteerNet is looking at enabling group and corporate volunteering as part of the future development of the website – volunteering can be even more fun with friends and it can also be a great team building exercise with your workmates.
In the meantime, if you are logged in and you find an event that you think your friends or workmates might be interested in, scroll down and click on “Tell a friend about this event” to send them a link and encourage them to apply – and to register on VolunteerNet if they aren’t already! Alternatively, when an event organiser accepts your application, you could contact them directly about organising a group to volunteer at their event.
Q. How can I find out about other volunteering opportunities – ones that aren’t necessarily event related?
VolunteerNet’s focus is on connecting volunteers and events. However, we work in partnership with Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) and other stakeholders to promote and encourage volunteering in general. VNZ maintains the “Volunteer Now” website that lists thousands of volunteering opportunities based all around the country, covering a wide range of interests. You can also contact your Regional Volunteer Centre for information about other volunteering opportunities in your community.
Got to www.volunteeringnz.org.nz for more information.
Q. I'm having technical problems with VolunteerNet – who should I contact?
We‘re keen to iron out any problems you might experience with VolunteerNet asap. Please email us via the “Contact Us” page or email help@volunteernet.org.nz, providing as much detail as you can. In particular it would help if you can provide us with information such as: what page you were on when the problem occurred; what, if any, error message you received (screenshots would be great); what type of operating system you are using (eg Windows or Mac); and what internet browser you are using (eg Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2.0, etc).
Q. Can I provide feedback to VolunteerNet on the usefulness of the website and/or my volunteering experiences?
Yes please!! We would welcome feedback from users. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the website so it works better for you! We’re also keen to hear success stories from events that you have volunteered at. Go to the “Contact Us” page to write to us or to send us an email.
Q. What are the benefits of registering on VolunteerNet?
Registering with VolunteerNet will help ensure that you don't miss out on some great volunteering opportunities happening in your community and beyond. You will be able to access details about events posted on VolunteerNet, receive alerts about events that match your preferences, receive invites from event organisers seeking people with your skills and experience and much more.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills, while at the same time giving something back to the community.
So what are you waiting for... Register now!
Q. What if I have a bad experience and want to complain about an event organiser or my volunteering experience?
Contact the event organiser in the first place and let them know your complaint. Your feedback to the event organiser will help them to manage volunteers more effectively in future and they will most likely be very appreciative of your feedback. If you are unhappy with the response of the event organiser contact us at info@volunteernet.org.nz and we will also follow up with the event organiser.
We are looking at ways to introduce a ratings system for event organisers in the future (like the star rating system we already have for volunteers). Let us know if you have any suggestions - we appreciate your feedback.
