Get involved
Memberships
Whether you’re a returned volunteer or a passionate supporter, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and contribute to VSA’s mission.
Become a Member or Renew Your Membership
As a VSA member, you’ll be part of our vibrant community of people committed to making a difference. Membership gives you a voice—you can vote in our Annual General Meeting, stand for election to the VSA Council, and nominate or be nominated for VSA Life Membership.
VSA Life Membership
Know someone who’s gone above and beyond for VSA? Get in touch to find out how to nominate them for Life Membership—our way of recognising outstanding service and lifelong commitment to our cause.
Alumni Network
Once a Volunteer, Always Whānau
If you’ve volunteered with VSA, you’re part of our story.
VSA Interest Groups are open to anyone interested in the work of VSA and the broader International Development sector. While many members are returned volunteers or current VSA members, the groups welcome anyone keen to connect and contribute.
These groups offer localised connection, support, and engagement—both before and after assignments, helping new volunteers tap into a rich network of experience and insight. Many Interest Group members bring valuable first-hand knowledge of volunteering and actively support VSA’s mission through advocacy and fundraising.
Led by volunteer Co-Convenors, these informal groups organise catch-ups, events, and speaker sessions, and shape the way each group operates.
Te Waipounamui / South Island
Waitaha / Canterbury region
We are currently looking for new Co-Convenors to help organise regular events hosted for people interested in international development and to share stories of volunteering in the region. Please email canterbury@vsa.org.nz for more information or to register your interest in Co-Convening.
Top of Te Waipounamu / Top of the South Island
Jane Kinsey, and Robyn Lambert are the Co-convenors and Charles Lambert is the Treasurer for this active Interest Group with speaking and social events held throughout the year. Please contact Jane at tsi@vsa.org.nz for more information. Everyone is welcome!
Te Ika-a-Māui
Manawatū
Hilary Smith, Lesley Batten, and Marian Bland are the Co-convenors of the Manawatū Interest Group. All of a wealth of experience in international development and volunteering and the group comes together to share stories and support global development, particularly in the Pacific Region. Please contact the Co-convenors at manawatu@vsa.org.nz.
Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
With a large number of people interested in international development situated in Tāmaki Makaurau, this Interest Groups offers the opportunity to come together to discuss and support the work of VSA and its volunteers. Please contact Jan Kennington and Rosie Wheeler, who are the Co-Convenors for this group, on auckland@vsa.org.nz.
Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington
A Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington Interest Group now exists. Please contact the Co-convenors, Sarah Togher, and Murray Gimblett on wellington@vsa.org.nz if you would like to get involved or hear about the next event.
New interest groups
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.
