Governor-General Anand Satyanand has urged New Zealanders to show their support for volunteer organisations.
In his first New Year message to the nation, Mr Satyanand also made a plea for people to remain engaged in the country's democratic process.
He said volunteering is the glue that holds New Zealand's society and economy together.
Mr Satyanand said everyone has skills that can assist voluntary groups in some way.
The Governor-General said people must remain actively involved on juries and keep informed about both local and international politics to ensure New Zealand's democracy stays strong.
