Celebrating Our Code Club Heroes – National Volunteer Week 2025
Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together
Kia ora to our Code Club whānau,
At Code Club Aotearoa, we know that behind every flashing LED, Scratch game, or Python script is someone who made that learning moment possible—a volunteer. This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the generous, curious, and big-hearted people who lead the way for thousands of tamariki across Aotearoa.
With this year’s theme Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together, we reflect on how every Code Club volunteer helps to weave connection, confidence and creativity into our communities. They’re the thread that binds us.
💡 What Is a Code Club Volunteer?
Being a Code Club volunteer means more than helping kids learn to code—it means creating a space where tamariki feel empowered to explore, take risks, and express themselves through technology.
Our volunteers commit to running or supporting a club for at least one school term, but many stay for years. Some have been with us for five or more, building deep relationships with ākonga, schools and their local community.
A typical session might involve:
Working with ākonga on projects in Scratch, Python, robotics or electronics
Guiding them through the Digital Pīkau resources
Supporting problem-solving and teamwork
Celebrating creativity and encouraging persistence when things get tricky
You don’t need to be a software engineer to volunteer. In fact, many of our best leaders are parents, librarians or teachers with no formal tech background. What matters most is your willingness to learn, share, and help tamariki shine. For those with tech skills, Code Club is a chance to pass on knowledge and see it come to life in the next generation.
💬 Volunteer Voices
This month, we’ve been hearing directly from volunteers around the country—and their stories are nothing short of inspiring.
“The girls I work with are so clever and believe they can do it! It's inspiring. So many adults believe coding is hard and give up—but the girls don't have that blocker.”
— Hannah Ward, St Margaret’s College, Christchurch
“It is very fulfilling to see our young coders unleash their creativity and joy when they fully engage in technology.”
“I work as a software engineer—it’s definitely helped me become better at explaining things clearly. It’s also made me feel more passionate about my work.”
“There have been new bonds formed not only with the students but also with school staff and whānau. My family has grown closer through Code Club.”
Each response reinforces what we already know: Code Club is a win-win. Tamariki gain digital fluency and confidence, while volunteers gain joy, skills, friendships,and often, new purpose.
💬 Paul’s Story
Paul Bates joined Code Club as a volunteer at Glen Eden Library with a passion for giving back to his community, and he’s quickly become an invaluable part of the club’s success. With a background in software development, Paul brings technical know-how, but it’s his empathy and dedication that make the biggest difference.
“The best thing for me is feeling a strong sense of fulfilment and knowing that by contributing to my community I'm also helping to spark the joy of critical thinking and problem-solving in the next generation of coders,” he shares. His sessions blend structured learning with encouragement and fun, helping ākonga grow in confidence week by week.
Paul says volunteering has helped him grow, too. “Explaining complex concepts in simple terms, adapting to different learning styles, and managing a group—these are valuable skills in my daily work.” His experience at Code Club has even strengthened his own communication and leadership in the workplace.
But what stands out most is the connection. “I love the connections I’ve made with the people at Code Club Aotearoa and my local community,” he says. Paul embodies the kaupapa of Whiria te tangata—weaving people together—one session, one conversation, and one line of code at a time.
🧵 Weaving Together Our Future
Code Club is a powerful example of grassroots innovation. It connects people, empowers youth, and strengthens our digital future—one club at a time. This Volunteer Week, let’s take a moment to reflect on just how powerful those one-hour sessions each week really are.
Ngā mihi nui to all our Code Club volunteers. You make this movement possible. You inspire the next generation of digital creators, innovators and leaders. And you remind us that coding can change lives—especially when it’s powered by community.
