Students dig in to ‘give something back to NZ’
Young New Zealanders have found a peaceful way to help serve their country – by getting stuck into community projects.
About 2000 New Zealanders pledged to complete over 8000 hours of community work across New Zealand on Anzac Day.
In Christchurch, the Student Volunteer Army got up early yesterday morning to plant native trees in Broad Park at Waimairi Beach, New Brighton. About 100 volunteers turned up and finished the job of planting nearly 1000 trees well before their 11.30am cut-off. The volunteers celebrated with a barbecue afterwards.
Organiser Jared McMahon said the students wanted to give something back to New Zealand and Anzac Day was an appropriate day to do it.
‘‘We tried to create a movement on a really special day, on Anzac Day, in a way that New Zealanders can do a bit of service and give back and honour and remember some of those soldiers who have served and fought for our country,’’ he said.
‘‘We’ve been clearing a bit of ground and we’ve been planting native plants. We’ve also been prepping the area and making sure the plants we plant in the ground are going to survive and thrive.’’
Prince Harry has commended the Serve for New Zealand project: ‘‘This initiative is a way for Kiwis to remember the service of others in the past, and to continue that tradition of generosity and sacrifice in a practical way.’’
Serve for New Zealand has many recommendations for people on how to contribute, including getting to know your neighbours, visiting a retirement village or helping beautify the local area.
Volunteers are still able to pledge their services at servefor.nz.