Since 1962, we are Aotearoa’s largest international volunteer charity
Founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, VSA is grounded in the belief that when people work together in partnership, they can achieve remarkable things.
Tō mātou kaupapa I Our purpose
Te hono tangata - Te huringa ora
Connecting people - Transforming lives
Te mātou matakite I Our vision
A world of thriving communities
Impact model
Volunteers support locally led development outcomes that endure beyond their assignment. Our model strengthens community systems, promotes inclusive development, and builds leadership capacity at all levels.
Partnership approach
Collaboration is the foundation of our impact, with in-country offices we maintain deep, local connections across the Pacific.
Mātāpono I Our principles
1
Spirit of volunteering
We act in service, sharing our expertise with empathy and encouragement
2
Cross-cultural understanding
We use our diversity as a strength, valuing our differences
3
Respectful partnerships
We work together, respecting each other's opinions and expertise
4
Adaptation and innovation
We are open to ideas and new ways of working
Meet our whānau
Are you interested in forming a new Interest Group to connect with like-minded people and return volunteers in your area? Get in touch with VSA and we can help guide and support you through the steps, including contacting return volunteers in your area.
Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) embodies a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through the active embrace of te ao Māori and dedication to:
Manaakitanga
VSA upholds this value by acknowledging the mana of all people, nurturing it through respect and genuine care
Kaitiakitanga
VSA collaborates with local communities by embracing indigenous knowledge systems to safeguard and sustain the environments across the regions where it operates.
Whanaungatanga
VSA is committed to fostering meaningful
connections by engaging with local communities in ways that respect and honour their cultural traditions.
Kotahitanga
VSA values diverse ways of working and actively supports Māori and indigenous perspectives to better serve our communities in the Pacific and beyond.
Whakamana
VSA respects the mana of all its people and adopts thoughtful and relevant approaches to empower their participation in international development.
As a charity in Aotearoa New Zealand, VSA is profoundly committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and actively upholds the essence of its encompassing articles. By acting in alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, VSA builds strong and respectful partnerships, embraces environmental and social responsibility, and works in collaboration with partners in the Pacific by sharing their priorities and creating change with them.
