Next year 4000 passionate and sports-mad volunteers will be needed when New Zealand hosts the prestigious World Masters Games.

Over 10 days about 25,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete across 28 different sports hosted at 45 different venues throughout Auckland and Waikato from April 21 – 30, 2017.

Former All Black and World Masters Games 2017 volunteer ambassador Bryan Williams. The international multisports event is taking place in Auckland and Wellington from April 21 – 30, 2017. Photo: WMG2017/YouTube

The games is the world's largest multisport event and has been held every four years since its debut in Toronto, Canada, back in 1985.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week which is currently taking place around the country, Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman says volunteers play a key role in the success of major sporting events like the World Masters Games.

'This is a great opportunity to get involved as a volunteer if you are in the Auckland or Waikato region. The World Masters Games are looking for volunteers in a range of positions to help us host the world's largest multi-sporting event,” says Jonathan Coleman.

There are a range of volunteering positions available in four areas – technical, sport, games and medical.

To be considered, volunteers must be 17 years and over, able to cover their own travel and accommodation costs, available to work four shifts minimum during the event, plus consent to and successfully pass NZ Police Vetting.

Applicants are also being asked to be available for in-person interviews which start in July and will be held in both Auckland and Waikato. Once positions are confirmed training will then takes place in March and April of 2017.

For more information about volunteering at the 2017 World Masters Games or to apply visit: www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz/get-involved/volunteers/