The Stories of Kāpiti and Ōtaki - Need a Storyteller

Somewhere between Paekākāriki and Ōtaki, a volunteer is doing something quietly remarkable. An organisation is running a programme that's changing lives. And right now, hardly anyone outside the room knows about it.

That's where you come in.

Volunteer Kāpiti is looking for a Volunteer Story Writer, someone who loves a good conversation, notices the details that make a story sing, and wants to help our community's generosity get the recognition it deserves.

This is your chance to tell the stories that matter

You'll sit down with volunteers and community organisations, by phone, by video, or kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face), and help turn their mahi into stories that are clear, engaging, and genuinely theirs. Then you'll write. From wherever suits you, at whatever pace works for your life.

This is flexible, remote mahi built around real connection, not a rigid roster.

Three kinds of stories, one big purpose

The Big Why Every so often, there's a story only worth telling in full: the mission-level piece (1500 words maximum) that captures why an organisation exists and why its work matters to our community.

Programme and Project Stories Shorter, sharper stories that shine a light on specific programmes and services, ours and our member organisations', so people know what's happening and how to get involved.

Voice of the Volunteer The heart of it all. Individual volunteers, telling us in their own words why they give their time, and the impact they've seen because of it.

No writing background required. We'll back you with tools, templates, and editorial support at whatever stage of your writing journey you're at.

Your stories, their choice

Once a story is finished, it goes home. Back to the organisation or volunteer it's about, for them to use and share however suits them. We don't publish on their behalf; the exception is the odd story we might share on Volunteer Kāpiti's own Facebook page.

The kind of impact you can't measure in likes

Good stories do something quiet but powerful. They help people see themselves in volunteering. They celebrate those already giving their time. And they strengthen the mana of the organisations doing this important work, one honest story at a time.

What you'll gain along the way
Storytelling and narrative writing, from mission pieces to short updates to personal profiles
Interview techniques and active listening
Plain language and accessible communication
Practice meeting publication deadlines
A genuine understanding of the volunteer sector and its people
Who we're looking for

Storytellers of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Students, retirees, emerging writers, seasoned communicators, or simply people who love celebrating others doing good in the world. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.

If this sounds like you - then apply for the role here