Volly Voices

Marie talks with Charles Thurston about his experience of Lions and all the possibilities that Lions Clubs offer someone who is interested in being involved in their community. This is an International Organisation – however each club operated individually as Charles describes some of the differences and also some of the projects that the various clubs including a new project that involves checking the sight for young children – this is something that Marie is going to write about in her fortnightly article in the Daily News Volly Call on Monday.

Marie talks with Jean Hastie the Secretary, Treasure and Activities Coordinator of New Plymouth Stroke Support Trust about the volunteering she does with the Trust, Also she shares information about what the Trust offers those who have had a Stroke by: a) Hosted monthly morning tea meetups, which include lunch and entertainment. Free transport is provided to attendees. There is no entry fee for the monthly Club Day and it is open to individuals aged 30 and over. b) Organised dedicated Carers Morning on the first Tuesday of each month Arranged outings, such as bus trips in March & September and this year they are 40 and a special celebration is being arranged.

Graham & Marie talk with Grant Carter General Manager of Taranaki Health Foundation about his role with the Foundation. The Foundation purpose is to support the development of enhanced healthcare services, for all people within Taranaki Dedicated to developing enhanced healthcare services for the region, and responsible for obtaining funds to purchase equipment that is not otherwise funded. He talks about the new East Wing build, the soon to be new home of Emergency Department, Radiology, Maternity, Neonatal and Intensive Care Unit at Taranaki Base Hospital and the possibility of him presenting to those who are interested in learning more. He also introduced the fact that there will soon be a call for additional volunteers to become Wayfinders to help visitors and patients navigate their way to the services / departments.

Graham & Marie talk with Lisa Russell Events Coordinator for Cancer Society Taranaki about her role with the Society and what roles the organisations has available for volunteers. Lisa also explains about the Relay for Life event and how to both volunteer for this and / or how to put in a team to fundraise for the Society. She outlines the support services available for those receiving a cancer diagnosis and their whanau / family and explains that the referral process is not automatic due to privacy, however their services are available to all with a cancer diagnosis and their family / whanau.

Graham & Marie talk with Dan Thurston Crow about what DOSO does and how it all start and what the aim of the Not for Profit organisation is. This is a session to learn where to start if you have an idea and the energy to look at being involved in building and growing an inclusive and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem in Taranaki.

Graham talks with Marie about the history of Volunteering New Plymouth, where they are and what they do for the For Purpose - Not for Profit community – and what is going to be different in 2026 with IVY2026 – International Volunteer Year 2026.

Graham & Marie talk with Sue Jameson of Inner Wheel New Plymouth North about what the organisation and its objectives of promoting true friendship through meetings and interest groups like weekly walk & coffee or as Sue admits – she just partakes in the coffee. Also encouraging the ideals of personal service like collecting for Breast Cancer – Pink Ribbon or participating in the Taranaki Women’s Refuge pop up shop and knitting and / or sewing for organisations like Nurturing Families Taranaki or local hospital. An interesting fact is that there are 33 clubs throughout Aotearoa New Zealand so there is one near you and a great way of becoming part of your community and a safe space for women as this is a women only organisation.

Graham & Marie chat about their Christmas experiences and the songs that they have chosen and why. Wishing everyone a very Happy & Safe Festive season. Also Happy New Year and you will hear from us again in 2026 with some more amazing Community organisations info.

Graham & Marie talk with Mike Powell from Bell Block & District Lions about his involvement in Lions, He also talks about the Leos – junior lions and what they are doing and the leadership skills that they develop. The activities that are involved in doing fundraising for projects that they are supporting – like the recent donations to the New Cancer Unit. And the current fundraising events like the annual used books sale and sausage sizzles etc. It was all so interesting that we almost lost time and even the ART FM’s Programme Director was lost in the dialog.

Graham & Marie talk with Craig Julian about what his involvement is with Community Patrol and what Community Patrol does here in the New Plymouth district. Community Patrol New Plymouth have a close connection with the local Police and are known as the ears & eyes in the Community for the Police. Craig explains what is involved in being a member and the stages to become a member.

Graham & Marie talk with Rachel Eckersley from Ngamotu Marine Reserve about how and when the Marine Reserve Society started, What the Society is involved in like –monitoring little Blue Penguin – Kororā kōrero as well as Experiencing Marie Reserve- snorkelling experiences and School projects Project Hotspot What her role is for the society and what roles they have available.

Graham & Marie talk with Celine Fillbee about all things Kiwi , From How many people are involved in supporting & checking on our local little Western Brown Kiwi to those who are helping keep the traps checked and the thousands of acres that are covered around the Mounga. The relationship that they Rotokare Scenic Reserve and how they can release young kiwi into that predator free environment as well as many other aspects of what Taranaki Kiwi Trust do and the volunteer roles they have within the Organisation. A great learning experience.

Graham talks with Dianne Darbyshire about Epilepsy and what support she offers to people who have Epilepsy and their whanau. Also what area she covers with this support.

Graham & Marie share some of their volunteer stories and how you can get involved in volunteering, as well as how to choose the right role for you together with the benefits and rewards of volunteering.

Graham talks with Wally Garrett about his volunteering history and the new Abbeyfield Housing in New Plymouth which he is the Chair and how this is starting to get traction here in New Plymouth and the goal for this development.

Graham & Marie share some of their Volunteer Stories and how you can get involved in volunteering as well as how to choose the right role for you together with the benefits and rewards of volunteering.

Leanne & Sarah share all about what and where they are in New Plymouth, what they offer and also about the celebration of the Centre’s 50 years in New Plymouth.

Graham & Marie interview Amy & Ali from Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai. They share about their projects outside the foodbank and what their volunteers do within the foodbank and projects.

Sylvia shares what U3A is all about. How to join one of the courses, what courses are currently available. Where the main meetings are held and the types of interest groups. Also what volunteers they are looking for.

Marie and Graham bring you Volly Voices, a show which shares information about the not-for-profit or for-purpose sector. This week they catch up with teh lovely Katie and Carla from Flourish.