What is Priceless?

Go to the Priceless page and scroll through the roles.

Use the category filters at the top to narrow down by type of volunteering (for example: Conservation, Wellbeing, or Young People).

Click on any role that interests you. Each page includes details about the organisation, what you'll be doing, what's required, and the time commitment.

Read it carefully before you apply.

At the bottom of each role page, you'll find instructions for how to apply. Usually, this means sending an email to the contact person at the organisation. Some roles might take you straight to an online form, and that’s ok too.

Important: When you send your email, please copy (CC) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into the email. See below for why we ask this — it's there to support you.

Priceless is UniCrew's database of volunteer roles from community organisations in Ōtepoti Dunedin. You browse the roles, find one that interests you, and apply directly with the organisation. It's free and there's no account or sign-up required to browse.

Most roles on Priceless don't require experience. Each role page lists what's needed under "Requirements". Check this before you apply. Many organisations are happy to train you. If you're unsure whether you qualify, it's always worth emailing and asking.

Yes! Volunteer work is unpaid, so it does not count toward your student visa work hours. If you have specific questions about your visa conditions, check with Immigration New Zealand or the University of Otago International Office to be sure.

Priceless is run by UniCrew, which is part of the University of Otago. Most roles are open to any student in Dunedin, but some may have specific requirements. Check the role description, or email us if you're not sure.

In most cases, yes. Different roles have different physical demands e.g. some are desk-based or online, others involve outdoor work or being on your feet. Read the role description carefully, and if you have questions about whether a role is suitable for you, contact the organisation directly. They want to find a good fit too.

Yes. Some roles on Priceless are fully remote. Filter by your area of interest and look for roles that mention "home-based" or "online" in the title or description.

This depends on the role. Some organisations provide transport while others are accessible by bus. Check the role page for location details, and if transport isn't mentioned, ask the organisation directly when you apply.

For bus routes across Dunedin, use Google Maps or the ORC journey planner.

This depends on the organisation and the role. Some organisations offer travel reimbursement. If this matters to you, ask about it when you apply. Volunteering is unpaid, so travel costs are usually at your own expense unless the organisation specifically offers otherwise. If cost is a barrier, there may be roles closer to campus or that are fully online. Email us and we'll help you find one.

Give the organisation as much notice as possible. Most are understanding, especially during exam periods. A quick email to let them know is always better than going silent. If you need to pause or stop volunteering, tell them honestly and thank them for the opportunity.

Go to the role page, read the description, and scroll to the bottom for application instructions. Usually, you'll send an email to the contact person at the organisation. Some roles link to an online form instead. Full instructions and an email template are on our About Priceless page.

That address comes to our team at UniCrew. We ask you to copy us in so we can support you through the process: if you don't hear back, we can follow up on your behalf. We also love hearing when students land a role they're excited about. Your email is read by our team only and will not be shared.

We have an email template above as a guide. In general: introduce yourself, mention where you found the role, explain why you're interested, and list any relevant skills or experience. Keep it short and polite — a few sentences is enough.

Yes. There's no limit on how many roles you can apply for. Just make sure you're genuinely interested in each one and can commit to the time required.

First, check that you sent your email to the correct address from the role page. If two weeks have passed and you've heard nothing, send a short, polite follow-up. Something like:

"Hi [name], I sent an application for the [role] on [date] and just wanted to check you received it. Please let me know if you need anything else from me. Thank you."

If you still don't hear back, email us at volunteer@otago.ac.nz and we'll follow up with the organisation on your behalf. This is exactly why we ask you to CC us into your original application.

This is one of the most common things we hear and you are not alone! A few things that can help:

• Join a Be a Mate or Good Deed and Feed. These experiences are hosted by our own Social Impact Leads and you go as part of a group. Perfect if you want to try volunteering.

• Talk to a Social Impact Lead first. Our leads are students who have experience with volunteering. They can answer questions, share what it was actually like, or even point you toward a role that's a better fit for where you're at. Meet our Social Impact Leads →

• Start with a one-off role. If a long-term commitment feels like too much pressure, look for roles tagged "One-Off" in the category filter. These are single events or sessions, offering a lower-stakes way to try volunteering without a big commitment.

• Remember: organisations want you to succeed. They will orient you, explain what to do, and introduce you to the team. You don't need to arrive knowing everything.

It happens. If the role isn't the right fit, it's okay to have an honest conversation with the organisation and step back. Be upfront and polite and give as much notice as you can and thank them for the opportunity. Then email us at volunteer@otago.ac.nz and we'll help you find something that suits you better.

The Emerging Leaders Programme recognises community involvement alongside academic achievement. It’s a simple way to record your volunteering while also enhancing your employability and understanding your impact.

Please tell us. Email volunteer@otago.ac.nz and describe what happened. We work with organisations on the basis of trust, and if an organisation isn't treating student volunteers well, we want to know about it.