National Volunteer Week: Staff Step up for Communities that Matter
This week, 14 to 20 June 2026, marks National Volunteer Week (NVW) in Aotearoa, New Zealand, an annual initiative led by Volunteering New Zealand with this year’s theme Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao. At Coca‑Cola Oceania and Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (“Coca‑Cola in New Zealand”), this theme resonates as we celebrate and encourage our employees across the country to give back to support the communities where they live and work.
Through the Coca‑Cola in the Community system initiative, employees of both companies can utilise two paid volunteer days per year to support causes close to their hearts. Last year, Coca‑Cola in New Zealand’s workforce contributed 400 volunteer hours nationwide, a number we would love to increase this year.
Across the country, employees have been rolling up their sleeves to support charities that matter to them. Volunteers have been involved with mentoring future leaders through the Young Enterprise’s Young Navigators programme, made meals for families in need at Ronald McDonald House and supported NZ Food Network to redirect surplus food to those who need it most, distributing more than 6,000 meal equivalents (1 meal = 450g) to communities in need.
Coca‑Cola in NZ Volunteers, Jenna Pepper (far left) and Vena Leilua (far right) with 2026 Young Navigators participants.
Coca‑Cola in NZ Volunteers support Ronald McDonald House and NZ Food Network
Reflecting on the spirit of National Volunteer Week, Mahak Mittal, Senior Director Franchise Operations New Zealand/Papua New Guinea/Pacific Islands at Coca‑Cola Oceania said: "It’s incredible to see our teams stepping up and giving their time to causes they truly care about. Whether it’s mentoring future leaders or cooking meals for families in need, every contribution has a real impact."
Wendy Rayner, Managing Director of Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand echoed this sentiment: Our people bring genuine passion to creating positive change, and I’m proud to see that commitment continue in the way they support our local communities”
Want to make a difference? Explore these incredible charities and find out how you can get involved: