Volunteer Talent
Share your talents.
At Hospice Southland, everyone has something valuable to offer.
We refer to our volunteers as Volunteer Talent, recognising the skills, life experience, compassion, and creativity people bring when they choose to support hospice.
Whether it’s practical help, professional expertise, or simply time to connect with others, volunteers help extend the care, dignity, and community support that Hospice Southland provides to patients and families across Southland and the Wakatipu Basin.
Ways to volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are diverse, and people contribute in many different ways. By sharing your talents, interests, and experience, you can help support hospice care in meaningful ways.
Below are some of the ways Volunteer Talent currently contribute.
Patient & family support
These roles connect directly with patients and their families, helping create comfort, dignity, and meaningful experiences.
Examples include:
+ Living Legacy Biography Volunteers – Help patients capture and record their life stories for their families.
+ Community Support – Spend time with patients through conversation, games, or quiet companionship. (This role may be reinstated in future.)
Hospitality & care services
These volunteers help create the warm, welcoming environment Hospice Southland is known for.
Examples include:
+ Kitchen Volunteers – Prepare and serve meals for patients.
+ Remembrance Service Support – Assist with refreshments and help create a welcoming space for families attending remembrance events.
+ Cleaning & Housekeeping Volunteers – Help maintain a calm, clean, and comfortable environment.
Gardens & environment
Hospice gardens and outdoor spaces play an important role in creating peaceful surroundings for patients, families, and staff.
Examples include:
+ Garden Volunteers – Planting, pruning, and maintaining hospice gardens.
+ Outdoor Maintenance – Light tasks to help keep the grounds looking their best.
Retail & fundraising
Hospice shops and fundraising activities play a vital role in supporting hospice services.
Examples include:
+ Hospice Shop Volunteers – Assisting with customer service, merchandising, sorting donations, and sales.
+ Stock Processing – Sorting, pricing, and preparing donated goods.
+ Fundraising Event Volunteers – Helping with events, raffles, and street appeals.
Skills-based & specialist roles
Some volunteers contribute specialised talents or professional skills that help enhance hospice services.
Examples include:
+ Floristry, fashion, or shop display support
+ Photography, videography, or creative projects
+ Administrative support
+ Drivers or errand support
One-off or project volunteering
Some people prefer to support hospice through short-term or occasional opportunities.
These flexible roles are ideal for individuals, community groups, or businesses looking to contribute their time.
Examples include:
+ Working bees
+ Corporate volunteering days
+ Event support
+ Seasonal projects
+ Duke of Edinburgh and Young Enterprise
Become part of our Volunteer Talent community
Hospice Southland is committed to creating meaningful volunteer experiences that:
+ Respect people’s skills, motivations, and wellbeing
+ Provide guidance and support throughout the volunteer journey
+ Foster connection, inclusion, and mutual trust
+ Recognise and celebrate the contribution volunteers make
Volunteer Talent play a vital role in helping hospice services remain free, accessible, and community-powered.
How to Join Us as a Volunteer
Get in Touch
Submit an online Volunteer Expression of Interest or email us at volunteer@hospicesouthland.org.nz.Meet Our Team
Our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to organise an Induction to Volunteering. This is a face-to-face chat where we explore your ideas, interests, and where you’d like to make an impact.Complete Required Forms
To help us keep everyone safe, we’ll ask you to:Fill in a Volunteer Agreement Form.
Complete a consent form for a police check
Show a valid form of photo ID
Start Your Journey
Once your police check comes back, we’ll:Orientate and train you in your new role
Introduce you to staff and volunteers you’ll be working alongside
We’re excited to welcome you to the Hospice Southland family and help you make your volunteering experience meaningful.
Express interest in volunteering
If you would like to share your time, skills, or experience with Hospice Southland, we would love to hear from you.
Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year, and our team is happy to talk with you about how your talents might contribute.