Events
Tautoko Support Network
“Tautoko” relates to support and advocacy. Our unique Tautoko Network enables more accessible information sharing and collaboration across the local community sector. Our programme includes events within Christchurch City as well as the Hurunui, Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts.
REGIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
For a range of training opportunities throughout New Zealand, visit the Regional Training page at Volunteering New Zealand. These include a mix of face-to-face and remote training sessions to support volunteering and the community sector right across the country.
2025
November
Governance Bites: Keeping Board Members Engaged and the Role of the Chair
Date: 19 Nov 2025 - 5:30pm to 7:00pmFacilitator: Garth Nowland-Foreman, from LEAD Centre for Not for Profit Governance and Leadership
Venue: Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central (Please enter the Aldersgate Centre from the rear door, via the car park. This can be accessed from Chester Street West. Spaces within the carpark are available to Governance Bites attendees from 5pm onwards.)
Cost: Free event
Chairs have one of the most demanding jobs in a non-profit. What is realistic and what are the essentials? Can we look again at sharing roles around the board table? One of the key roles of a chair is to facilitate the board as a group – especially in its core role as group decision-makers. And given participation is the purpose if you are going to bother calling a meeting, how can a chair best facilitate real participation that will energise and enthuse board members, and get the best possible decisions from a diverse group? We will look at some practical tools and frameworks to help make this happen in real world non-profit boards. Sessions will run from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. However, doors open and pizza bites are available from 5.00pm!
RSVP: Registrations essential, via email
December
International Volunteer Day 2025
Date: 5 Dec 2025 - 12:00am to 11:59pmInternational Volunteer Day (IVD) is an international event run by UN Volunteers and celebrated every year on 5 December. The purpose of IVD is to recognize and support the spirit of volunteerism to help create a better future. It champions the impact volunteers have in communities, nationally and globally.
2026
February
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - February
Date: 12 Feb 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Don, Neighbourhood Trust
Venue: 64 McFaddens Road, St Albans, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
Newcomers Volunteer Expo 2026
Date: 14 Feb 2026 - 11:00am to 1:00pmFacilitator: Volunteering Canterbury, in conjunction with Christchurch City Council, Welcoming Communities, and Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre
Venue: Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre, Hagley Avenue
Cost: Free event
Find your place. Grow your skills. Join the community. Come along to the Newcomers Volunteer Expo to explore volunteer opportunities that connect you with others and help you feel at home. Make friends, build your skills, and find your place through volunteering.
March
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - March
Date: 12 Mar 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Bianca, Air Force Museum
Venue:45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
April
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - April
Date: 16 Apr 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Rosie, Canterbury Charity Hospital
Venue: 349 Harewood Road, Bishopdale, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
May
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - May
Date: 14 May 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Leanne, Whareora House of Life
Venue: 8 Athelstan Street, Spreydon, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
June
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - June
Date: 11 Jun 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Ian, Ferrymead Heritage Park
Venue: 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.
October
Coffee & Chats Peer Support - October
Date: 8 Oct 2026 - 9:00am to 10:00amHost: Jeremy, Delta Community Support Trust
Venue: 105 North Avon Road, Richmond, Christchurch
Cost: Free event
On the second Thursday of each month, we hold a Coffee & Chats peer support session for those who manage or coordinate a volunteer team, hosted each time by a different community organisation. This is an occasion to network with others from local not-for-profit groups and talk all things volunteering, and includes the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and support each other as we navigate the ever-changing community sector.
RSVP: Via email - it is essential that you RSVP for these events, please.