Task Force Green

Task Force Green is a volunteer programme supported by the Dunedin City Council (DCC) and is part of the Community Partnerships team. Volunteers conduct work projects on behalf of the DCC and the community by supporting for non-profit organisations, trusts, community groups, sports groups and more. The work has economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits for the city while offering a meaningful experience for volunteers wanting to engage in their local community.

If you would like to know more about becoming a TFG Volunteer – please click here to contact a member of Task Force Green team.

If you would like to know if your group could be supported by TFG volunteers – please email your enquiry to TFG@dcc.govt.nz.

Task Force Green Volunteers – receiving certificates at Araiteuru Marae, Dunedin

Aim of Task Force Green

The aim of the DCC’s “Task Force Green and Community Volunteer” service is to provide volunteers the opportunity to receive work skills training and personal development which supports them to gain pride, self-esteem, and confidence to look for employment or future learning opportunities, while building local community connections.

The benefits and impacts received through the Task Force Green Volunteers service are both unique and diverse. They have a positive effect and benefit for the volunteers, the city, and the community.

Doing the Maths

40+ Volunteers +

2 Staff +

1-3 Supervisors =

24,000 volunteer hours each year

Over $660,000 worth of value to the community

Task Force Green Volunteer ‘Davo’ – taking a much-needed break after splitting wood for the community firewood scheme

Helping the Community

Task Force Green Volunteers – hard at work on the community firewood scheme

Task Force Green directly benefits the community by offering a number of volunteer projects and supporting volunteers. The positive benefits include:

Beautifying and visually improving public domains and recreational areas commonly used by the public.
Supporting many community-based projects for various clubs, societies and trusts by providing labour and equipment which has significantly helped successful completion of many community projects throughout the city.

Partnering with agencies in the “Disability Sector” who utilise the Task Force Green service to provide vocational training and support that helps their members through integration, service, and voluntary work in the community. This experience enables them to gain self-esteem, confidence, and pride in themselves through their contribution.
Partnering with the Department of Corrections to identify low-risk offenders who want to engage in meaningful community service.
Partnering with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) supporting people into employment. Over the past three decades, Task Force Green has also supported hundred of volunteers into employment.

Helping the Environment

Work carried out helps beautify Dunedin’s environment through the maintenance of walking tracks, native bush, public domains, and recreational areas.

This involves removal of noxious plants and weeds, and, planting of native and ornamental trees to replenish and beautify bush areas and trapping and monitoring of pests in selected areas to save endangered bird species.

A yard in Dunedin before cleanup by Task Force Green.

A yard in Dunedin after cleanup by Task Force Green.

The team also responds to fly tipping within the city and helps keep Dunedin beautiful by removing graffiti throughout areas of the city that are non-commercial buildings. Graffiti removal is assessed on a case-by-case basis with offensive and hate based graffiti removed within 8 hours of reporting.

Reducing Costs

Task Force Green Volunteer services have also helped reduce costs for the DCC by undertaking community work that may not be completed, such as weed-eating.

Task Force Green also helps reduce costs on the community, and over the years, it has helped groups, societies and trusts throughout the Dunedin area to deliver thousands of community-based projects.

Supporting Dunedin

Task Force Green reflects the Council's belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. The programme gives people the chance to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a positive difference in their community.

Task Force Green provides a wide range of support and service across most departments at council level.

Every year, Task Force Green volunteers contribute thousands of hours supporting both Council services and community projects across Dunedin. Approximately 50% of work undertaken supports the council in its community services, while the remaining 50% directly supports the community.

A Dunedin city bench before Task Force Green refinished it.

A Dunedin city bench after Task Force Green refinished it.

Do you want to volunteer?

It’s easy, email TFG@dcc.govt.nz or call DCC 03 477 4000 and our friendly staff will respond within 24 hours. We provide a pickup and drop off service for our volunteers each day and we operate five days a week. Some volunteers do two days, and some do five. It is totally flexible and can cater to your personal circumstances.

We are a diverse and inclusive bunch of fun individuals. You will be able to learn new skills that can help you in your search for work and for your volunteering life.

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