Moving to Auckland with years of experience and big hopes, I quickly learned that settling into the city’s job market wasn’t as straightforward as I’d imagined. Despite my professional background, nearly every employer I spoke to seemed more interested in my “local experience” than my previous roles. It felt like an impossible hurdle, especially as I struggled to even secure part-time work. Then, someone suggested volunteering as a way to bridge the experience gap.
Volunteering wasn’t something I had ever seriously considered back home in India. My career kept me busy, and the idea of giving my time without pay simply didn’t fit into my schedule. But here, in Auckland, with job options looking scarce, I decided to give it a try.

Discovering Volunteering Opportunities
After a bit of searching, I found organizations like Disha NZ Charitable Trust, and Age Concern Auckland, which supports elderly New Zealanders. There was also a community kitchen at a temple nearby, offering weekly free meals. Each organization was unique, and each gave me a chance to contribute in different ways.
But volunteering came with its own set of challenges. Commuting in Auckland can be expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Traveling to volunteer sites sometimes felt like it was eating into both my time and money—resources I felt I should be dedicating to job hunting. Then, there was the challenge of making time for volunteering without feeling like I was taking away from my main focus: finding a job.
And to be honest, not every organization is open to volunteers, which can be disheartening. One of my friends, eager to gain local experience, was turned away. He jokingly told me, “Ki main toh free mein bhi nahi chahiye” (they don’t even want me for free). It was a humorous reminder that even volunteering isn’t always straightforward.
The Benefits: Local Experience and Beyond
Despite the challenges, volunteering has brought unexpected rewards. First, it has given me a practical understanding of New Zealand’s job market and its nuances. By working alongside Kiwis and other migrants, I’ve started to understand the work culture here, the unspoken norms, and the differences in approach compared to India.
Volunteering has also helped me break down some of my own barriers. As a newcomer, it’s easy to feel hesitant about reaching out to people or stepping into new social situations. Volunteering has forced me to loosen those inhibitions, making it easier to approach people and start conversations. Each interaction has boosted my confidence and made Auckland feel a bit more like home.

Building Connections and a Sense of Belonging
One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering has been meeting people from all walks of life—selfless individuals who devote themselves to supporting others, as well as those who have opened their arms to new migrants like me. There’s a sense of community here that reminds me of the warmth back home in India. These connections have provided emotional support, practical advice, and even job-search insights, all while giving me a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar city.
While I’m still job hunting, volunteering has filled my days with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It has allowed me to contribute to the community, which feels valuable, even if I’m not yet contributing through a full-time role.
A Path Forward
For new migrants, especially those from India, volunteering in Auckland offers far more than just local experience. It’s a way to immerse yourself in Kiwi culture, build a network, and develop a deeper understanding of the place you now call home. These organizations provide welcoming and meaningful ways to contribute while finding familiar faces and support.
Volunteering may not be the career I originally came here for, but it has given me invaluable experience, new friendships, and a sense of purpose I hadn’t expected. I’m hopeful that as I continue to contribute, I’ll find the professional opportunity I’ve been working toward. Until then, volunteering is my way of building a future here—one that I’m proud to be a part of.– Sakshi Agarwal