Sometimes, it's the little things that bring the greatest satisfaction – like knowing you made a difference.

'It feels great when you get a text from your young driver to let you know they have finally passed their test,” says Blue Light driver navigator Graham Young, commenting on the benefits of volunteering for Blue Light.

'I'm always willing and happy to help those who need the assistance and practice.”

Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu – National Volunteer Week is on from June 18-24, to honours the collective energies and mana of volunteers in New Zealand

The theme this year is ‘he wā pīataata – time to shine' – and the week is a great way to get out there and volunteer your time to a plethora of great causes.

Blue Light's driver licensing programme relies on the assistance of volunteers, such as Graham, to help young people gain the valuable time and experience required to become safe drivers on our roads and to pass their restricted licence.

'As the young driver gains more confidence and improves, we will drive further; and as they are nearing ready to sit their restricted test I have taken some young people as far as the Kaimai Range and to Te Puke, so they gain more experience on open roads,” says Graham.

Blue Light, a not-for-profit charity, relies on the generous time and dedication of volunteers across New Zealand to deliver its programmes and activities to ensure all young people receive the opportunities and support they need to be the best they can be.

To find out more about Blue Light's driver licensing programme, or how to become a Blue Light volunteer navigator, call: 0800 Blue Light or email: support@bluelight.co.nz