Sir Edmund Hillary, VSA’s founding President, passionately believed if people work together in equal partnership, they can achieve great things.
About Volunteer Service Abroad
Since 1962, Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) have been making our mark in the development space, making us the country’s largest and most trusted international volunteer organisation.
We operate with remote, in-country, and local volunteer programmes that offer opportunities abroad to skilled New Zealand residents. The friendships and experiences our volunteers gain from their time on assignment are truly immeasurable and cherished for a lifetime.
Our goal is to transfer the right resources, skills, and knowledge so that the impact achieved during an assignment remains long after a volunteer returns to New Zealand, creating a fair future for all.
Our work and partnership approach
VSA knows that we make the most difference by working with people, partners, and communities to establish long-lasting relationships.
We authentically deliver from a locally led and ethical approach to international volunteering. With offices located in Dili (Timor-Leste), New Britain (Papua New Guinea), Buka and Arawa (Bougainville), Honiara (Solomon Islands), Santo (Vanuatu), Apia (Samoa), and Avarua (Cook Islands) we can ensure our assignments are identified by local partners, so they are relevant and sustainable.
Our partners include regional and central government agencies, local and national NGOs, education and health organisations, schools, colleges, and health clinics. We also work with New Zealand and regional partners such as UNICEF, UN Women and the Pacific Community (SPC).
Support us
VSA is a registered charity and is non-religious, non-political and non-governmental. VSA needs ongoing financial support to continue to support New Zealandersto share their skills with communities in our region. VSA is supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme, together with individual and corporate donations.
