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From Romania to Taranaki: A volunteer finds her place

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PUBLISHED: 16 JUN 2026
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It wasn’t easy for Iuliana Secuiu to settle into life in New Zealand when she arrived from Romania in 2010 but being a volunteer at NPDC has given her a new sense of purpose.

Iuliana, 47, is a stay-at-home mother who has been volunteering at NPDC’s events for more than 12 months.

“I like being around people and I used to work in hospitality back home in Romania. I want to be out there (volunteering) because sometimes I feel invisible,” says Iuliana.

“It’s hard moving from a different country; you feel like you go from being a somebody to a nobody. Even though volunteering is a small thing, I feel like I’m contributing to society.”

Iuliana has been an eco-squad member, usher and ticket scanner at Bowl of Brooklands summer events and has lent a hand at the TSB Festival of Lights, Taranaki Airs basketball games at TSB Stadium and rugby matches at Stadium Taranaki.

“Mental health wise when you do volunteer work, you are doing something positive. And when people say, ‘thank you’ or say, ‘nice to see you’ or ‘good job’ - those simple words really mean a lot.”

Iuliana started her volunteering journey with NPDC in 2012, where she helped look after displays and arranged books at Puke Ariki Library.

She also sparked and helped form the Migrant Women Meet group in 2013. The group meet weekly at Puke Ariki to connect and share their personal stories.

“I had the idea, but Puke Ariki backed me up, it wasn’t all me. Connection was what I missed, being from a different country and speaking a different language.

“I learnt English from television. As an immigrant I needed someone to talk to, and it was easy to have a place where people could chat about their experiences over a cup of coffee.”

In 2024 Iuliana started volunteering as a cruise ship ambassador and continues to be a guide today. She also volunteered at last year’s Te Matatini festival and at this year’s Full Metal Orchestra concert in March.

NPDC’s Manager Venues and Events Chade Julie says volunteers like Iuliana are hugely important.

“Iuliana is very passionate about what she does and it’s great having people like her supporting our community events,” says Chade.

“With it being National Volunteer Week, it’s our opportunity to celebrate them, their contribution and the incredible service they provide our community.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us, go to npdc.govt.nz/volunteering to find out where there are available roles.

At a glance

  • NPDC has more than 600 volunteers currently active across our Cultural Experiences, Parks, Pest Trapping, Brooklands Zoo and Venue and Events teams.
  • In the past 12 months, NPDC volunteers have contributed more than 16,000 hours.

 

Caption: Iuliana volunteering at a Taranaki Airs game at TSB Stadium.

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Page last updated: 09:09am Tue 16 June 2026

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