After 17 years of dedicated service to the volunteering sector and local communities, Volunteering Bay of Plenty is closing as a registered non-profit charity, after 17 years of dedicated service.

"Unfortunately, Covid has made its impact in various ways, and it has added to Volbop's already stretched financial situation," says acting chair Berenice Langson.

"As Trustees, in exercising our due diligence, we made the decision to be proactive rather than see the organisation's legacy and work disestablished.

"In keeping with our Trust Deed Rules, and the Charities Services requirements, Volbop considered the possibility of merging with a like-minded organisation - which was not as easy as it sounds, given that we are a peak body, servicing all causes.

"Merging and transferring services had to be with an organisation that does not serve a single cause."

One such organisation is SociaLink, the umbrella organisation for the Western Bay of Plenty social agencies and charities.

"Both our organisations believe in the vital importance of volunteering and its contribution to society and our economy, and are committed to ensuring that volunteering is supported in the Bay of Plenty," says Berenice.

"We are excited to announce that we have approached SociaLink to take over volunteering services in the Bay of Plenty."

The two organisations are negotiating a formal agreement which should come into effect on October 1.

Volbop can be contacted at admin@volbop.org.nz, or 07 571 3714.

"We thank you for your support over nearly three decades and we wish SociaLink all the very best as we work together for a smooth handover."

SociaLink general manager Liz Davies says she is saddened that Volunteering Bay of Plenty is no longer in a position to deliver volunteer services.

"Volunteers are critical to the running of the majority of not-for-profit organisations, many of whom entirely rely on volunteers.

"When Volbop approached SociaLink we thought it was a good fit with SociaLink's other services and wanted, if possible, to make sure that volunteering services were not lost to the Western Bay of Plenty.

"We look forward to working with Volbop over the coming months."