VOLUNTEER ON THE SPIRIT

THE LOW DOWN ON VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering for Spirit is an awesome way to be involved in helping shape positive change in the lives of young Kiwis. Sailing over 25 ten day voyages every year along with a few shorter trips, we rely on our amazing volunteers to help make this possible.

If you have sailed with us as a trainee, it’s a fantastic way to stay connected and be part of the Spirit family.  If you haven’t sailed with us before, but have a passion to help young people, then we would love to hear from you.

VOLUNTEERS KEEP THE SHIP MOVING

We employ a permanent crew, consisting of a master (captain), mates, engineer and cook on every voyage and in addition to our permanent crew positions, there are six volunteers per voyage, filling the positions of Watch Assistants and Leading Hands.

Apply Volunteer Criteria

Leading Hands (ages 17-22 years)

Leading hands must have completed our 10 Day voyage before becoming crew. They bring their voyage experiences aboard and assist the crew with day-to-day running of the ship's routines, programme and maintenance. Leading Hands help trainees to familiarise themselves with the vessel and the possibly new experience for some of working in teams.

Watch Assistant (ages 20 years and up)

We are always looking for strong candidates for the Watch Assistant role. Watch assistants are valued for their contribution to a voyage as motivators, wholly involved at all levels. They work alongside the mates, ensuring the programme is running smoothly and that all trainees are fully engaged and having a good time.

JOIN OUR RELIEF CREW

Full-time positions on board Spirit of New Zealand do come up from time-to-time, and are always looking for qualified crew to join our relief crew network. If you have the right credentials (maritime and other relevant qualifications) and are interested in being part of the team, we would love to hear from you.

Apply

Crew Awards

TOPGALLANT AWARD

This award was introduced in 1998 to recognise outstanding service over a period of more than ten years. Both volunteers and the Trust's permanent staff are considered eligible. Generally two are given annually.

TOPSAIL AWARD

This award was introduced in 2001 to honour outstanding service by a past participant who has contributed their time over a period of three years or more. Generally, one is given each year.

Chairperson's Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognising incredible ‘Spirit Champions’. This award recognises outstanding ongoing contributions to Spirit over a sustained period of time. It can be awarded to a current/past volunteer, past member of staff or Board member.

Recognising Service

It was also a privilege to recently award both Chris Thompson and James Dufty with the first of our special new service pins recognising their ongoing contribution. Chris had volunteered a whopping 100 days and James 50 days, before both joining us permanently. Congratulations, James and Chris.

2026 Award Winners

Topgallant Award Winner - Don Skerman

Topsail Award Winner - Stella Hamilton

Chairperson's Lifetime Achievement Award - Sheila Budgen