Kerry: A Simple Stroll to a Stronger Community
When Kerry and her family relocated to Gisborne for four months, she was looking forward to exploring the area, but a simple stroll with her four-month-old pēpi unexpectedly led to an enriching volunteering experience and a deep connection with the local community.
On her first day out adventuring, Kerry happened to pass by our office in Treble Court and decided to pop in and learn more about volunteering opportunities. After a quick chat, we connected her with the Women's Native Tree Project Trust (WNTPT) — an organisation that shared her values and, as a bonus, welcomed pēpi along!
The process moved swiftly for Kerry! On Monday, Kerry was in our office. Tuesday, she spoke with Kauri from WNTPT, and by Wednesday, Kerry was getting her hands dirty on her first ‘Weeding Wednesday’. From the start, Kerry felt warmly embraced by the WNTPT whānau. She was touched by their kindness, their inclusive spirit, and their warm welcome to her and her little one. They enjoy shared kai at the end of each session, bringing the volunteers together to reflect, connect, and enjoy each other's company. Kerry encouraged other mums to volunteer as well, spreading the word and growing the network of people making a difference.
Through volunteering, Kerry found a special way to connect with the Gisborne community. She loved meeting locals, hearing their stories, and gaining a deeper appreciation of our native flora and Māori culture. Each session provided a sense of therapy, as she immersed herself in horticulture and the nurturing of native trees.
As her time in Gisborne came to an end, Kerry left with new knowledge, friendships, and a lasting connection to the place and people who welcomed her so openly. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of how volunteering can bring people together, create lasting impact, and turn a simple chance encounter into something truly meaningful.
Kerry is now off to explore the rest of New Zealand; we wish you safe travels and hope to see you back in Gisborne again!