Read the latest news and updates from volunteers, partners, and staff across the moana working collectively towards a world with thriving communities.
The impact of volunteers at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Samoa
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), Samoa, CEO Seuseu Dr Joseph Tauati says that VSA volunteers have been a great help in building capacity across the organisation, both now and in the past. VSA has been in partnership with MAF for over eight years and recently had three volunteers placed with them.
Bringing the joy of sports to Timor-Leste
For many people around the world, sport is more than just a game — it's a source of joy, hope and opportunity, and it helps to bring people together. In many communities, however, access to proper sports equipment is a luxury and hard to get. VSA volunteer Mark Young has decided to do something about it.
Dr Hilary Smith a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
In case you missed it on our social media channels! VSA is delighted to congratulate Dr Hilary Smith, past VSA Council member and long-time volunteer, on being awarded the prestigious New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year's Honours list.
Through a volunteer's eyes: Three and a half months in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Current volunteer Beryl Riley has been working in Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, as a Youth Counsellor Mentor since July. Here, she shares some of her experiences in her own words.
Money grows on trees
The first women’s refuge in East New Britain is thriving with their first cocoa harvest.
Bringing people together for years to come
Current VSA volunteer Lyndsey Bartlett tells us about two recent serendipitous encounters – and what they taught her about life on assignment.
Building the foundations of tomorrow
Two volunteers’ journey with early childhood education in Timor-Leste. This article was written by fellow Timor-Leste volunteer, Cheryl Tyler.
Developing deaf education in Tonga
Rebecca Anderson-Griffith worked as a Sign Language Teacher both in-country in Tonga and as an e-volunteer. She shares an insight into her ‘very meaningful’ year volunteering.
Revolutionising the gym space in Honiara
Gerard O’Brien tells us about developing capacity in the Solomon Islands’ health and fitness sector.
Exploring sustainable energy in the Pacific
A Q&A with returned volunteer Chris Williamson
Gaining a new perspective
Michaela Powell tells us about developing speech language therapy capacity in Samoa.
‘It’s such a special place’
Returned volunteer Sarah Togher tells us what’s been unique about volunteering in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Giving back in Timor-Leste
What do Samsung, Toyota, and pig farmers in Timor-Leste have in common?
Empowering women for stronger sustainable communities
Partner organisation spotlight: Teitoiningaina
VSA receives Margaret Neave Endowment Fund grant
How the Margaret Neave Endowment Fund is supporting optimal health outcomes in Tonga.
Language revitalisation in the Cooks
James Uri-Puati is writing a thesis about revitalising Cook Islands Māori. He explains the passion behind this project.
Empowering youth in Vanuatu
UniVol Morgan Kelly has been volunteering as a Youth Development Assistant in Santo, Vanuatu, since February. Here, she shares a bit about finding her feet and building capacity at a local youth centre.
‘It’s hard to put into words’
VSA volunteer Jackie Cronin has volunteered multiple times. She tells us about her most recent assignment in Tonga, and why she keeps coming back for more.
Double the impact
UniVol Roi Burnett tells us about enjoying her first volunteering stint so much, she went back for a second.
The Mauri Way
eVolunteer Anna Stevens tells us about building tourism capacity in Kiribati in a critical post-Covid time.
