Volunteer at Overload
Overload, New Zealand’s premier Anime and Manga festival, is entirely volunteer run. Our dedicated Overload Committee members devote their spare time to create an authentic fan-driven experience. Throughout the year, over 60 volunteers collaborate to plan and organise the event, driven by our commitment to foster a vibrant anime and manga community across New Zealand.
We’re seeking passionate individuals who share our vision to join our team. If you’re enthusiastic about anime, manga, and community-building, we’d love to welcome you to this exciting endeavour!
By joining the Overload volunteer team, you’ll enjoy:
- The opportunity to work in a unique and fun environment
- Behind-the-scenes involvement in an anime convention
- The chance to make new friends and connect with like-minded individuals
- A reference from the Committee Director and/or Volunteer Manager listing volunteer duties completed, upon request
- The potential to gain valuable experience for your future endeavours
- Free admission to Overload 2025 for the day(s) you volunteer.
- Lunch and refreshment for the duration of your volunteer shift on the event day.
- An invitation to the Post-Overload staff dinner party.
We are seeking volunteers to help us with the general setting-up of the venue, including sponsor/artist tables and any displays or exhibitions prior to event day.
Below are some essential details and guidelines for your consideration:
Age Requirement: For all crew positions, the minimum age requirement is 16 years of age by the application closing date.
Working Hours Requirement: For event crew, you need to volunteer for at least a day. You will have several breaks for you to enjoy the event.
No Experience Necessary: You don’t need any prior experience to volunteer at Overload. All experience levels are welcome. Your enthusiasm and love for the community are what matter to us the most!
Applications from all around New Zealand: We accept applications from individuals all around New Zealand. However, please note that you are responsible for your travel arrangements to attend Overload.
Application Status and Communication: If your application is successful, you will receive an email notification after the application period closes. Please keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
Weekend Availability: For Overload Event Crew positions, you have the option to volunteer for both days of the weekend or choose the day that best suits your schedule.
Health & Safety Training: Your health and safety are our top priority. We will run online H&S training sessions before the event which all Overload staff must participate in. Depending on your role, there might be an additional training session you will be required to participate in.
Cosplay Policy: We generally allow cosplaying for most roles, however, please ensure that your cosplay does not limit your ability to perform tasks or cause strain during your volunteering shift. You must inform us in advance through email if you intend to cosplay. Please note, wearing a high-viz vest is required for some roles.
Preferred Roles: When completing the crew application form, please indicate the preferred role(s) in which you would like to be positioned.
ROLES
Event Crew
Set-up: Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th April
We are seeking volunteers to help us with the general setting-up of the venue, including sponsor/artist tables and any displays or exhibitions prior to event day.
You will need to be available to assist with set-up at The Cloud from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm (Wednesday and/or Thursday).
Event days: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th April
We are seeking volunteers to help us with numerous activities in shifts throughout the day. Responsibilities generally include:
- Assisting with supplying of overload attendees with appropriate wristbands
- Assisting with event floor management
- Checking for valid wristbands at the doors
- Stage assistants
- Clean-up and pack-out
- Directing traffic
- Other miscellaneous activities
We need you to be available for at least 6 hours between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm for Saturday and between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm for Sunday. Please inform us in your application if there is any time within the aforementioned windows (7:00 am-7:00 pm/7:00 am-8:00 pm) that you cannot be rostered for (e.g. you can only start at 10:00 am or you have to leave at 5:00 pm).
Volunteers will be allocated shifts to allow for plenty of break time and to enjoy the event. If you wish to see a specific event or require a break at a specific time, please include the details in the application form.
Photographer
We are looking for photographers keen to capture the atmosphere of Overload 2025 by taking photos of feature events, artists and cosplayers alike. To apply for this role, you are required to have experience in photography and be able to complete the touch-up process in post-edit before submitting a selection of photos to us. We need you to be available for at least 6 hours on Saturday & Sunday, and to liaise with us regarding the photographs after the event. Additionally, please note that the application requires a link to your portfolio/website/etc.
Stage Events Assistant
This is a role that will require work and assistance mainly before the Overload event, as a creative assistant, helping us by providing content ideas, researching and writing questions for guest Q&A sessions, etc. Efficient communication and a good understanding and respect of the anime and manga industry are essential.
Origami Instructor
Your role will be to run the Origami tables and provide instructions and assistance to Overload attendees who wish to learn Origami.
Interpreters
We are looking for interpreters who speak fluent Japanese and English. You will interpret for our special guests and assist with their needs, such as looking after their daily schedule, handling autograph sessions, and so forth. You must be available for at least a full day. A reference check might be required.
Drivers
We are looking for someone who can drive a van to transport special guests and/or some set-up equipment during set-up and pack-out. At minimum, a restricted driving license is required. You must be available for at least a full day.
We warmly welcome you to join Overload! Your passion for NZ Manga/Anime culture and your support for local artists is what makes our event so special, and we can’t wait to have you on board!
Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted. If your application is not accepted, we encourage you to reapply next year. We’d love to see you at Overload 2025 as an attendee. For any inquiries or questions related to Overload 2025, please email us at [email protected] . We are more than happy to assist and provide all the information you need.