VOLUNTEER VOICES
Read the stories from the heart of the Rally
Every month we’ll be shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our sport – showing our appreciation for everything they do.
500+ VOLUNTEERS IN 50+ ROLES
FUEL YOUR PASSION
The Rally Family
The Unsung
Heroes
At the heart of Rally NZ is a passionate, dedicated community of volunteers who make everything we do possible. From stage crews and safety teams to admin support and zero car crews, every single person plays a vital role — and we’re so incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart they bring to the sport. Naturally, with such a diverse group, there are some truly amazing stories behind the hi-vis vests, and through Volunteer Voices, we’re shining a light on the unsung heroes and their stories.
Having grown up spectating rallying alongside her dad, Jim, Aroha has always had a strong love for the sport. What started as standing on the sidelines, watching the action unfold, soon turned into something more, and in 2020, the pair decided it was time to get involved properly and stand on the other side of the fence.
Beginning as a block marshal, Aroha quickly found herself right in the thick of it. From the early days, her involvement has naturally grown, evolving into a variety of roles across events. Whether working out on stage with her brother as a Stage Commander, or riding alongside her dad in Chief Safety, Aroha has experienced rallying from multiple perspectives, each one adding to her understanding of just how much it takes to bring an event together.
However, what stands out most about Aroha is her willingness to get stuck in wherever needed. And her involvement doesn’t stop at RNZ either, she’s also a familiar face volunteering with The Motorsport Club at Hampton Downs, as well as supporting other Rally series’ throughout the year, further showing her commitment to the wider motorsport community.
Recently though, Aroha has begun experiencing Rally from the competitors perspective, occupying the co-driver’s seat at local rallysprint events, after gaining her R1 license in 2025 and competing at the Waitomo Rally, where she co-drove with Charlie Evans, finishing an incredible 5th overall and 1st in class. “Last year was my highlight,” she says. “Ben and Nicole welcomed me with open arms and let me join so many rallies and rallysprints with them.”
As always, one key question we ask on our Volunteer Interview is – what keeps you coming back? And for Aroha, the answer is simple. “The people! It’s an amazing community.” It’s something that comes through in every part of her story, the friendships formed, the teams she’s been welcomed into, and the sense of belonging that rallying brings. Motorsport really is all about the people!
Aroha’s journey is a reflection of what volunteering in rallying is all about. It’s about showing up, learning as you go, trying new things, and building connections that go far beyond the event itself.
Aroha, thank you for the energy, time, and heart you bring to our rally community. Whether you’re out on stage, or supporting the wider motorsport scene, your contribution does not go unnoticed. We’re incredibly lucky to have you as part of the RNZ family.
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PARTNERSHIPS
With each leg of the NZ Rally Championship hosted by local car clubs, we as a volunteer body are there to provide extra manpower and support as and when needed. We also provide organisational support if required, with many of our volunteers belonging to more than one car club.
The Rally NZ Club takes pride in working closely with the NZRC – and enjoys providing our volunteers the opportunity to travel across the country to various motorsport events, getting to do what they love in new and exciting environments.
We are also the first point of call for large-scale international events, including the International Rally of Whangarei and the World Rally Championship.
