MAHAMUDRA
CENTRE FOR UNIVERSAL UNITY
MAHAMUDRA
CENTRE FOR UNIVERSAL UNITY
Vacancies and Volunteering at the Centre
Offering your time and skills at Mahamudra is an opportunity to put generosity and compassion into practice while helping sustain a place for the Dharma to flourish.
Our Centre relies on the kindness and dedication of people who contribute to its everyday life. Whether caring for the gardens, welcoming guests or supporting teachings, your service helps preserve the Mahayana tradition and makes the Centre’s work possible.
We warmly invite you to explore how you could become involved.
Is Volunteering at Mahamudra Right for Me?
Volunteering at Mahamudra may suit you if you would like to offer practical help while spending time in a community centred on Buddhist teachings and practice.
Service is part of our spiritual life. Everyday activities offer opportunities to develop mindfulness, patience and care for others, whether we are preparing a meal, tending the grounds or helping someone feel welcome.
We value a willingness to contribute, work alongside others and respect the Centre’s traditions and peaceful environment. If you have particular skills in areas such as administration, marketing, building, IT or finance, please tell us—we welcome the opportunity to find a useful way for you to contribute.
If you are new to Buddhism or unsure whether volunteering here would suit you, please get in touch. We would be happy to talk about what is involved.
What can I Gain from Volunteering?
Offering service supports the Centre and creates opportunities to deepen your own understanding and practice. Time at Mahamudra can bring learning, connection and space for reflection.
Teachings and Study
Throughout the year, Mahamudra welcomes qualified Tibetan and Western teachers offering teachings on mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy. Volunteers may also participate in education programmes offered through the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), including the two-year Discovering Buddhism programme.
A Supportive Spiritual Community
Spend time alongside experienced practitioners who are happy to share their understanding and support your journey. Working together offers opportunities to learn from one another and bring the teachings into everyday life.
A Place for Practice and Reflection
Volunteers have access to the Dharma library and meditation hall, or Gompa, as well as holy objects that support traditional practices such as circumambulation—walking around them with a mindful intention—and the creation of merit.
The peaceful retreat setting and daily rhythm of the Centre encourage mindfulness and reflection, alongside guests who come for teachings, retreats and overnight stays.
How Could I Help?
There are many ways to offer service at Mahamudra. Some involve everyday tasks that keep the Centre running; others support visiting teachers, events or particular projects.
Hospitality and Guest Care
Help create a welcoming environment for everyone who visits. Activities include cooking, kitchen assistance, cleaning the dining area, preparing rooms, laundry, welcoming guests and helping in the gift shop.
Gardens, Buildings and Grounds
Help care for the Centre inside and out through gardening, sweeping paths, keeping the courtyard tidy, painting and repairs. There are also opportunities to assist with the cleaning and maintenance of holy objects.
Teachings, Events and Visiting Teachers
Support the preparations for teachings and Lama visits by preparing rooms, arranging flowers and offerings, cooking for visiting teachers and assisting the Sangha. During events, help may be needed to set up the Gompa and other spaces, operate sound and recording equipment, serve refreshments and tidy up afterwards.
Professional Skills and Special Projects
Skills in administration, fundraising, marketing, IT, finance and building can make a valuable contribution to the Centre.
There may also be opportunities to help with specific projects, including the construction and filling of the prayer wheel, the prayer wheel house and surrounding landscaping.
Please tell us about your interests and experience so we can discuss where your help would be most useful.
What Commitment is Involved?
For volunteers coming to stay at the Centre, our usual commitment is:
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Hours of service: Four hours a day, five days a week.
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Minimum stay: Two weeks, allowing time to settle into the community and contribute meaningfully.
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When to apply: Please enquire at least one month before your preferred arrival date.
We view service as practice in action, bringing attention and care to the tasks that support the Centre and those who visit.
If you are interested in helping occasionally or offering a particular skill, please contact us to discuss what might be possible.
For questions about accommodation, meals and the practical arrangements for your stay, please include these in your enquiry.
What Roles are Available?
Alongside the everyday activities described above, we are looking for people to help in the following roles.
Volunteer Roles
Residential Centre Volunteers
Join us for a few weeks or months, contributing your time and skills to the care of the Centre’s buildings and gardens while taking part in community life.
Property and Maintenance Volunteer
Help with a variety of practical jobs around the grounds and property. This role supports the ongoing care and upkeep of the Centre.
Fundraising Coordinator
We are seeking a volunteer with relevant skills to help raise funds and coordinate fundraising projects in collaboration with the Director.
To enquire about any volunteer role, please complete the volunteer enquiry form below or email director@mahamudra.org.nz.
Paid Roles
Our paid positions support the Centre’s ongoing work and stability. These roles call for people who value the Mahayana lineage, understand the importance of service and can bring professional skills together with spiritual motivation.
Centre Manager
Permanent position · Start as soon as possible
We are seeking a dedicated and practical Centre Manager to oversee the daily life of our retreat centre on the Coromandel Peninsula.
This hands-on role combines hospitality, administration, event coordination, volunteer support and general centre management. It offers an opportunity to serve in a leadership role while supporting retreats, teachers and guests in a peaceful rural environment.
Accommodation, meals and a weekly wage are provided.
View Centre Manager Role and Apply
Spiritual Programme Coordinator
Two-year contract · Start as soon as possible. We are looking for a motivated Spiritual Programme Coordinator to help care for the spiritual life of the Centre.
The role includes overseeing the Gompa and retreat programme, supporting teachers and retreatants, coordinating courses and maintaining the Centre’s devotional and educational activities within the FPMT tradition.
Accommodation, meals and a wage or stipend are provided. Visa support may be possible for the right candidate.
How do I Enquire?
If you would like to volunteer, or simply find out more, we would be happy to hear from you.
Complete the form below and tell us a little about yourself, what interests you, any skills or experience you would like to offer, and when you are available. You can mention a particular role or ask us where help is most needed.
We will be in touch to discuss the possibilities and practical arrangements. If you are nearby, we can arrange a time for a chat and a cuppa. You can also email us at director@mahamudra.org.nz.
Thank you for considering offering your time and care to Mahamudra.
Fill in this participation enquiry form and we will be in touch soon