Volunteer Army in Hanmer

The University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) pitched in to help another community outside the city limits over the weekend; this time paying a visit to Hanmer Springs.

The SVA Camp was established last year to provide an immersive, outside of Christchurch, experience to student volunteers.

A group of 120 students based themselves at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp from March 24 to 26.

The camp was where most of the students’ work took place, including a restoration project along the banks of the river from which the camp drew its water and revitalising camp facilities. Students also worked alongside the Hanmer Heritage Forest Trust to clear some of the Hanmer Springs Heritage Forest.

Heritage Forest Trust chairman Mark Inglis said there was only a small group of volunteers in Hanmer which ‘‘do every- thing’’.

‘‘To have the resources of the SVA come in and help us is in our forest is amazing.’’

Volunteers also worked to transform some of Hanmer’s rest areas and walking tracks.

SVA event coordinator Josh Blackmore said the aim of the event was ‘‘first and foremost to provide an excellent experience for our volunteers’’, as they had a goal of normalising a culture of volunteering amongst University of Canterbury students.