Close-up of three people sitting at a wooden table, one gesturing with open hands during a discussion.

volunteering

join our whānau of volunteers.

Our volunteer programme is at the heart of what we do. Independent research shows that interaction with our volunteers is a key reason for the Navigate Initiative's effectiveness.

It's through interactions with our volunteers that our clients develop many of the soft skills they need to thrive back in the community.

Volunteers don't have to be superheroes, they simply need to show up and be willing to walk alongside someone on their journey of transformation.

"Volunteering for Pathway has given me so much more perspective going into my career, and a valuable industry connection I didn't expect. The gratitude from Tū Ora showed how impactful attending the group each week was for them. It really showed me the importance of showing up for each other. It's a reciprocal relationship."

- Mattie, Writers group volunteer

"I was super nervous about how to relate to the men, but really, the only skill you need is a degree of friendliness. Once you get to meet the guys, it's just like any other group you might be involved in.

It's been a massive education for me. There's no substitute for just literally going in to see and understand. It gives you a much more complete picture of the guys and the background they've come from, but also of what being in prison's like and then what getting out of prison is going to look like."

- Randal, Art & carving group volunteer

our volunteer  programmes

Group of people sitting at table talking with notepads

Writers' group.

A space where Tū Ora Tū Ora The men we work with through our reintegration services. Gifted to Pathway by Te Taumutu Rūnanga (Ngāi Tahu), the term means 'To stand in the place of wellbeing'. write, share, and express themselves. With help from volunteers, it becomes a place where people feel heard, sometimes for the first time in a long time.

Person sitting cross-legged on a metal chair holding a tablet with an open book on their lap.

Faith support.‍

A space where Tū Ora Tū Ora The men we work with through our reintegration services. Gifted to Pathway by Te Taumutu Rūnanga (Ngāi Tahu), the term means 'To stand in the place of wellbeing'. explore and connect with faith and spirituality. Volunteers provide support and prayer as they journey alongside the men.

Person adjusting a mountain bike's rear derailleur with a multitool while kneeling on concrete floor.

Bike project.

A hands-on space in the prison youth wing that teaches the practical skills required to strip down bikes, fix them up, and get them running again, building relationship along the way.

Two men walking on a dirt path surrounded by trees in a foggy, natural setting.

Mentorship.

A commitment to walk alongside one or two Tū Ora Tū Ora The men we work with through our reintegration services. Gifted to Pathway by Te Taumutu Rūnanga (Ngāi Tahu), the term means 'To stand in the place of wellbeing'. through the ups and downs of their reintegration journey. These often become mutual, long-term connections, where mentors get as much from the relationship as those they are seeking to support.

man carving block of wood with chisel in hand

Art & carving.‍

A fortnightly workshop where Tū Ora Tū Ora The men we work with through our reintegration services. Gifted to Pathway by Te Taumutu Rūnanga (Ngāi Tahu), the term means 'To stand in the place of wellbeing'. learn a hands-on skills and creative expression. Volunteers assist by simply taking part, even if they don't consider themselves an 'artsy' person!

Two men next fire in back yard

Community connect.

A space in the prison where Tū Ora Tū Ora The men we work with through our reintegration services. Gifted to Pathway by Te Taumutu Rūnanga (Ngāi Tahu), the term means 'To stand in the place of wellbeing'. spend time with people from the wider community, through a short workshop or simply a game of pool. It's also where relationships begin that can grow into mentoring beyond release.

Other ways to volunteer.

There are many other ways to get involved, from transport to counselling and beyond. If there's a skill or interest you'd like to offer, we'd love to hear about it. Programmes are built around what our volunteers bring, so what you offer could shape what we create next.

If any of these speak to you, or you have something else in mind that you think you could offer, let's chat. You don't need to have it all figured out, or commit to anything straight away. Get in touch, meet the team, and see how it feels.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

An integral part of the team.

Volunteers are a valued part of the Pathway team, not an extra pair of hands on the side. Each one works closely with our Community Coordinator, who gets to know them and helps to shape the volunteering experience around what works for them.

The Community Coordinator makes sure everyone involved, volunteers and Tū Ora alike, feels safe, supported, and genuinely part of something worthwhile. We also bring the volunteer team together for regular lunches and training sessions, a chance to swap stories, learn from one another, and feel the support of a wider community doing this work alongside you.

Become a volunteer
The Pathway Trust volunteer team gathered for a team photo

The process

1. Catch up over coffee

We'll start with an informal chat over coffee or tea, just to get to know you and talk through the possibilities.

2. Interview

From there, we'll do a short interview to understand what you're hoping to offer and where you might fit best.

3. Onboarding & training

You'll then complete onboarding and some basic training to prepare you for your role.

4. Ongoing support

We'll support you closely through your first couple of visits, then check in regularly beyond that, so you're never navigating it alone.

Eric
's story.

After becoming involved in drug dealing, Eric bounced between prison and the community for 15 years.

When he’d had enough and made a commitment to change, he found the Navigate Initiative. After being released earlier this year, his fresh start is just beginning.

read now