Facts for International Volunteer Day 2009

Facts for International Volunteer Day 2009  –  Media Release

Statistics New Zealand acknowledges the contribution of volunteers on 5 December by providing the following facts to mark International Volunteer Day.

Results from the 2009 New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS) show that over the year from April 2008 to March 2009:

• One-third of people in the survey had undertaken voluntary work for a group or organisation during the previous four weeks, and about two-thirds had done unpaid work for someone living in another household. 
• People who did voluntary work had slightly higher levels of life satisfaction (89.5%) compared with those who didn’t (84.2%). 
• Two-thirds of both men and women undertook unpaid work. 
• Women were more likely than men to have done unpaid work at least once a week, whereas men were more likely to have done unpaid work only once in the preceding four week period. 
• There was a steady rise in the number of people participating in voluntary work by their level of educational qualification. 
• People aged between 34 and 75 years were the most engaged in voluntary work.

International Volunteer Day is observed globally. It originated in 1985 following a United Nations resolution which invited governments to observe the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on 5 December.

Visit the NZGSS webpage for more information.