Think about volunteering, urges Governor-General

New Zealanders are being urged to add support of voluntary organisations to their list of New Year's resolutions.

In his first New Year message today, Governor-General Anand Satyanand has emphasised the importance of volunteering to New Zealand's society and economy.

"Voluntary work does not have to be a lifelong commitment to an organisation, but we all have skills that can assist voluntary organisations, even if only for individual projects," he said.

"Voluntary work not only has its own intrinsic benefits, making friends and even offers of employment, but it also adds strength to our wider communities."

Mr Satyanand also emphasised the importance of New Zealanders remaining engaged in New Zealand's democracy.

"Late last year, New Zealanders engaged in the ultimate form of civic involvement -- voting in a general election. The election was a demonstration of the strength of our democracy and the civil liberties we all hold dear.

"While New Zealand is a young country, ours is an old democracy. Democratic rights should never be taken for granted and are rights that continue to be denied to many people throughout the world."

Mr Satyanand said he had decided to issue an annual New Year's message to bring attention to a number of issues New Zealanders might consider as they looked to the future.