EcoMatters Environment Trust is seeking volunteers for an accessible cooking event in Three Kings designed to empower the Deaf and hard of hearing community with skills in reducing food waste and saving money. The event is part of the 'Every Bite, Cooking with Confidence' programme and will be held in partnership with the Deaf Wellbeing Society on Wednesday, 6 May, at the Auckland Deaf Society venue.
The 'Every Bite' initiative is a four-week programme focused on providing practical knowledge to help people use food more effectively. This opening event has been specifically created to be accessible for Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing individuals, with a professional New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter present throughout the evening. Participants will learn valuable skills, and a complimentary dinner will also be provided.
To ensure the event runs smoothly, EcoMatters is calling on the community for volunteer support. The environmental non-profit is looking for individuals to assist with a range of tasks, from setting up the venue to interacting with attendees.
Volunteer roles and requirements
Two main types of volunteer roles are available, catering to different skills and availability. The first role requires volunteers who are physically capable of assisting with the setup and pack-down of the event. This involves arranging tables and chairs and then putting everything away at the end of the night, all under the direction of the Events Co-ordinator. The time commitment for this role is from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm, although the organisation notes that it's acceptable if volunteers need to leave earlier.
The second role is specifically for individuals who have experience with the Deaf community. EcoMatters is particularly interested in volunteers who know some NZSL or have an understanding of Deaf culture. These volunteers will be tasked with welcoming guests, helping them sign in, and assisting them with filling out a survey form at the conclusion of the event. This role requires a time commitment from 5 pm to 8 pm.
All volunteers must be able to follow instructions, and those in the community-facing role must be patient and considerate. As a gesture of thanks, dinner will be provided for all volunteers at approximately 7:15 pm.
Prospective volunteers can express their interest by filling out a form on the Volunteering Auckland website. From there, they will be connected directly with EcoMatters for further information.
A wider mission of guardianship
The 'Every Bite' event is just one facet of EcoMatters' broader mission to foster kaitiakitanga (guardianship) by connecting people with their local environment. The trust runs numerous projects across Auckland, offering a wide range of regular volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved and make a difference. These activities are a great way to meet like-minded people while contributing to the health of the whenua (land).
For those passionate about nature conservation, the 'Mornings by the Stream' sessions in Glen Eden offer a chance to learn about environmental restoration and monitor local flora and fauna. Similar neighbourhood stream restoration groups meet monthly in Fruitvale, Green Bay, Blockhouse Bay, and Sunnyvale. At the trust's New Lynn nursery, 'Seedling Sessions' on Wednesday mornings involve potting up thousands of native plants destined for local restoration projects. For those passionate about nature conservation, the 'Mornings by the Stream' sessions in Glen Eden offer a chance to learn about environmental restoration and monitor local flora and fauna. Similar neighbourhood stream restoration groups meet monthly in Fruitvale, Green Bay, Blockhouse Bay, and Sunnyvale. At the trust's New Lynn nursery, 'Seedling Sessions' on Wednesday mornings involve potting up thousands of native plants destined for local restoration projects. Gardeners can lend a hand at the Hope Garden in New Lynn on Tuesday mornings or join the 'Organic Gardening Sessions' on Fridays to learn about everything from seed sowing to managing a food forest; volunteers often get to share in the harvest. For those with a more mechanical inclination, the EcoMatters Bike Hubs in Pakuranga and Onehunga are seeking volunteers to help recondition unwanted bikes, which are then offered to the community at affordable prices. This work complements efforts elsewhere, such as how Maine's Cambodian community transforms invasive crab.
EcoMatters also partners with corporate groups for volunteer days and welcomes individuals with specialised skills who may be able to assist with unique projects. More information on their work and how to get involved can be found on the EcoMatters website.
How to get involved
This specific opportunity to assist with the 'Every Bite' cooking event offers a unique way to support both an environmental cause and the local Deaf community. It highlights the intersection of sustainability and social equity, demonstrating that caring for the environment includes caring for the people within it.
By creating an inclusive space for learning, EcoMatters and the Deaf Wellbeing Society are ensuring that valuable knowledge about food sustainability is accessible to all. The event not only teaches practical skills but also fosters community connection over a shared meal.
Anyone interested in volunteering for this event or other EcoMatters projects is encouraged to register their interest. The organisation also maintains a newsletter which provides updates on upcoming volunteer opportunities for those who wish to stay informed about future events.
