This is your chance to tell the stories that matter. You'll interview volunteers and community organisations between Paekākāriki and Ōtaki, then help develop clear, engaging stories that celebrate their mahi and impact.
Your stories go back to the people you interview, for them to share in their own way. This is flexible, remote mahi that fits around your life. Interview by phone, video, or kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face), and write from wherever suits you.
You'll work across three areas of storytelling:
The Big Why A mission-level piece (1500 words maximum) telling the story of why Volunteer Kāpiti exists, and why volunteering matters in our community.
Programme and Project Stories Shorter stories that highlight specific programmes and services, ours and our member organisations', so our community knows what's happening and how to get involved.
Voice of the Volunteer The heart of it all: individual volunteers sharing why they volunteer, the impact they see, and their story in their own words.
You don't need to be an experienced writer. We have tools, templates, and editorial support to help you along the way, whatever stage of your writing journey you're at.
What happens to your stories
Once a story is finished, it goes back to the organisation or volunteer it's about, for them to use and share. We don't publish on their behalf. From time to time, we may share a story on Volunteer Kāpiti's own Facebook page.
Impact of your mahi
Your stories shine a light on the quiet, generous contributions people make across our community. You'll help more people see themselves in volunteering, celebrate those already giving their time, and strengthen the mana of the organisations doing this important work.
Skills you'll gain
Storytelling and narrative writing, from mission pieces to short updates to personal profiles
• Interview techniques and active listening
• Plain language and accessible communication
• Meeting publication deadlines
•Understanding of volunteer sector communications
We welcome storytellers of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Whether you're a student, retiree, emerging writer, experienced communicator, or simply someone who loves celebrating people, we'd love to hear from you.
Skills & Experience
• Basic digital skills (email, Word or Google Docs)
• Ability to have conversations with people (phone, video, or in person)
• Reliable and follows through on agreed deadlines
• Able to work independently with editorial support and guidance
• Comfortable conducting remote interviews or meeting people face-to-face
Behaviours & Values
• Genuine curiosity about people and their stories
• Warm, respectful approach to interviews and storytelling
• Takes initiative and notices the details that make stories come alive
• Patient and willing to learn new writing techniques
• Celebrates the contributions of others with kindness and authenticity
• Adaptable when stories or timelines shift
Cultural Competency
• Open to learning about Te Ao Māori, te reo Māori, and Te Tiriti-aligned practice
• Respectful of diverse communities, backgrounds, and lived experiences
• Comfortable telling stories that honour mana and represent people authentically
• Willing to use inclusive, strengths-based language
• Self-paced and built around your relationships with organisations, rather than tied to a set weekly schedule.
• ach story, whether it's a Voice of the Volunteer, a Programme and Project story, or the Big Why, typically takes around 2 to 3 hours per session to connect with the organisation, capture the story, and relay it back.
• Writing and review happen separately, at your own pace.
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.
Marketing & Communications