Kate de Boer

Wellington Plus enabled Kate to explore her passions and showed her how much she was learning as a leader.

BA Development Studies
Wellington Plus Certificate and Award

Portrait of Kate de Boer

Wellington Plus showed Kate how much she was learning while giving back to her community. Kate started volunteering in her first year at University and joined Wellington Plus in her second year when she felt settled in her studies. She liked the structure of the programme and didn’t feel stressed trying to fit things in. She also appreciated the sense of achievement when she received Wellington Plus verification for her volunteer efforts.


Kate’s passion for community development and environmental solutions is reflected in her choice of volunteer roles. In her first year, she volunteered with the Fruit and Vege Co-op on campus. She met students from all levels of study and around the world, and achieved her goal of switching the co-op from plastic to cloth bags. Her dedication and enthusiasm led to the paid role of Co-op Coordinator in her second year.


Kate served on the Plastic Diet Club Executive for over two years, first as Secretary and then as President. She enjoyed making a visible change to the university and a highlight of her role was being a part of the Sustainability Committee with staff, VUWSA and other clubs. The committee discussed issues, organised events, and planned Sustainability Week. Running a week of events alongside her studies brought Kate’s energy, leadership and time management skills to the fore. Kate also promoted low-waste solutions at the new students’ Welcome Festival and with Forest & Bird Youth.


Kate’s community support extended to working with the Wellington Student Volunteer Army to help neighbours in need during the Covid lockdown. For her extensive involvement and contribution to sustainability and volunteering, Kate was recognised with a Green Gown Award and a Contribution to Clubs Award.

“Volunteering has been a vital part of my student experience. It has grown my connections and friendships, and enabled me to act on my passions. Wellington Plus provided opportunities to be a learner and a leader at the same time.”
Kate de Boer