Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Mentor – School-Based Programme (North Canterbury)

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If you can spare one hour a week during school hours, you could make a big difference in the life of a young person — right in your community. As a mentor, you’ll be professionally matched with a child (Little) aged 6–11 and meet weekly at school to spend time doing fun, everyday activities — whether it’s baking in the staff kitchen, playing board games, reading, building a fort, or shooting hoops. It’s all about sharing time, building trust, and creating a positive, lasting friendship with a young person who needs a bit of extra support; "I love Fridays at school because I get to see my Big Sister. We made chocolate chip cookies recently and I got to take some home for my little brother!” You’ll be fully supported by our awesome Mentoring Coordinators, who will guide you through training, share activity ideas, and stay connected with regular check-ins. Plus, you’ll be invited to our legendary match events — optional, free group outings where Bigs and Littles from across the programme come together to kayak, climb, craft, and connect. There’s something for everyone, no matter your age or ability! Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, a student with free time, or you work for a business that supports community volunteering — this is a powerful and flexible way to give back. Apply now and start something BIG!

Requirements:

To apply, you need to:

✅ Be 18 or older
✅ Live in North Canterbury
✅ Be available for one hour a week for at least one year

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment:

One hour a week for a minimum of a year, with the application process usually taking 6–8 weeks (this includes an informal info session at our Rangiora office, an interview, police vetting, referee checks, and an in-person training session).

Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 1135

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In applying for this position I confirm that I have read the requirements of the position and believe I have the skills and attributes required to carry out this role safely and effectively.

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