Our volunteers 

Our volunteers form an integral part of the smooth operation of the Friends of
Te Papa. Many of the Friends volunteer behind the scenes at mail out sessions and front of house promoting the Friends. They always enjoy their experiences and find them rewarding as well.

The Friends are very pleased to use the invaluable help from our volunteers in the membership to assist with mail outs and membership promotion.

Mail outs

Preparation for a mail out occurs towards the end of each month.  The work includes labelling and placing inserts into envelopes.  The work is limited to a two hour period and as well as a productive outcome, provides a social occasion and an enjoyable opportunity to meet other members.

Membership promotion

Membership promotion is a key strategic activity for the Friends and takes place during the season of charged-for exhibitions.  For the maximum opportunity to sign up new members, the peak visitation period on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon is chosen.  Again the period of duty is limited to two hours and one works in pairs.

As membership promotion involves signing up members of the public and handling payments, training is a prerequisite for this activity.  The Friends is a professional organisation working in partnership with Te Papa and process is important when dealing with many different groups of people.  Again time on the floor is a fun opportunity to meet members of the public and other members of the Friends.

Jeannie Buxton is the Committee member with the overall responsibility for the Friends volunteer program.  

We are always pleased to hear from our Friends who would like to also be a volunteer. If you are a Friend of Te Papa and would like to hear more about this volunteer program then email us at friends@tepapa.govt.nz or call the office on (04) 381 7051.