You’re in good hands with Finn.

Finn has taken on the part-time role of community coordinator, with his focus being on looking after our volunteer and mentor programmes.

He is also supporting our reintegration team as they build and coordinate the many activities our supporters in the community are involved in both behind and outside the wire, and fostering new and existing connections.

Finn has been actively involved in church and youth work for several years, which included overseeing the music school and mentoring programme at Youth Alive Trust. Most recently he was business team manager at Hāpai Access Card, where he led a team with disabilities and diverse cultural backgrounds.

As our volunteer mentors will be well aware, the act of volunteering is one thing but establishing a close relationship with the person you’re working with is another entirely. So, what makes a great volunteer?

The most important thing by far is integrity,” Finn says.

“A person of integrity, no matter what their skillset is, contributes to the wider mission of an organisation in a more sustainable and meaningful way than someone who has a lot to offer but doesn’t have integrity in their words and actions. In our context in particular, being a person of strong character is essential. If you have that, you’re well on your way.”

While Finn says there were obstacles – one being a perceived lack of volunteering options for those who are highly skilled and looking for a challenge – Pathway’s varied opportunities meant more potential for them to become involved.

Our need for a solid volunteer base is crucial and over the years we have retained a core group that have had significant impacts on the lives of many Tū Ora, which has flowed back into the community.

“The work that has been done already is extraordinary, however there is potential for so much more. Pathway is the most unique organisation that I have ever come across and I think the mission and values behind it can capture hearts unlike much else.”

Pathway is in the business of helping people make a fresh start and our volunteers play a major role in that, to the point where our levels of support would not be sustainable without them.

“I think of what one of our volunteers shared recently; it hasn’t been a one-way street. Yes, they’ve been involved in the transformation of people’s lives, but they’ve also been transformed. Assumptions and prejudices are challenged and those that are not valid must be cast aside. There aren’t many areas of service that are so confronting for volunteers, but for those who embrace it, it’s truly transformative.”