Voluntary work

Voluntary work is great way to get work experience, learn new skills and help a community. You don’t get wages, but for some projects you can still get your benefit and you may get extra allowances.

Voluntary work can be a good option

Voluntary work in a community or voluntary organisation can be a great way for people such as sole parents, people with a health condition and disabled people to get experience in the work force.

Doing voluntary work can:

  • teach you new skills
  • build your confidence
  • look good on your CV
  • help a community.

If your voluntary work is part of an Activity in the Community project and you're on a main benefit, you:

  • keep your benefit
  • get an allowance
  • may get some money to help towards expenses.

If you are on a benefit that requires you to look for work and you find paid part-time or full-time work, then you should take paid work before you do voluntary work.

You can find your own voluntary work, or we can refer you to approved projects.

People who choose to take part in voluntary work as part of their Job Seeker Agreement don’t need our approval of the project.

Voluntary work websites

Volunteering NZ - Finding Volunteer Roles

Search for voluntary work in your region by job category and type of organisation.

Manuals and Procedures

If you are interested in doing voluntary work, or want more information contact us