WELLINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Each year about 1.2 million New Zealanders volunteer, about one-fourth of its population, said Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Peeni Henare, who is calling for Kiwis to be involved in the National Volunteer Week.

"National Volunteer Week celebrates the millions of Kiwis who give their time, skills and knowledge to help others. This year's theme Heart of our Communities captures the true essence of what volunteering is all about," Henare said in a statement.

"Volunteering is an integral part of our Kiwi culture, something I'm really proud of," Henare said.

This week the minister is set to host Volunteering New Zealand to celebrate the contribution of volunteers and to launch The State of Volunteering report that aims to provide insights about trends and challenges faced by New Zealand volunteer organizations in the last year, he said.