Coca‑Cola in New Zealand Celebrates Volunteers this National Volunteer Week

This week, 15 to 21 June, marks National Volunteer Week (NVW) in Aotearoa, New Zealand, an annual initiative led by Volunteering New Zealand with this year’s theme Whiria te tangata, weaving the people together. At Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand and Coca‑Cola Oceania (“Coca‑Cola in New Zealand”), this theme resonates deeply as we celebrate our employees across the country who have taken time to give back to support the communities where they live and work.

Through the Coca‑Cola in the Community initiative, employees can utilise two paid volunteer days per year to support causes close to their hearts. So far this year, Coca‑Cola in New Zealand’s workforce has contributed more than 150 volunteer hours nationwide, with that number continuing to grow.

At the New Zealand Head Office in Auckland, 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, helped remove marine litter from our waterways with Sea Cleaners 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.

Beyond Auckland, volunteering efforts have stretched nationwide. In Christchurch, Production and Sales staff supported Styx Living Laboratory Trust with converting pastureland, by planting 1,700 harakeke (flax). Other initiatives by employees include supporting a local sports competition in Wellington, fundraising for Rescue Choppers in Queenstown and helping local charity DFX Heat in Wairarapa by chopping and providing firewood to help families stay warm during winter.

Reflecting on the spirit of National Volunteer Week, Wendy Rayner, Managing Director of Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand, said: " Our people are passionate about making a positive impact, and I’m proud of their commitment to support local communities, through their ongoing efforts”.

Julie O’Toole, Director at Coca‑Cola Oceania echoed this sentiment: "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, distributing food to those who need it most or helping to collect marine litter, every effort makes a difference."

Want to make a difference? Explore these incredible charities and find out how you can get involved:

• Young Enterprise
• Sea Cleaners
• New Zealand Food Network
• The Styx Living Laboratory Trust