Strong Voices

The first of its kind in the country, Climate Action Campus is an environmental movement designed to encourage both understanding and action on climate change. The volunteers learnt about the importance of native trees to the ecosystem. Their task was then to clear large spaces of weeds so more native trees can thrive. It was a big job – but hard work done collaboratively is what SVA is all about.

SVA evolved out of the student-led clean-up operation following the 2010 Christchurch earthquake and is now a network of tens of thousands of volunteers committed to making a difference and building communities. Introduced to the disability sector in an eight-month pilot at IDEA Services centres in Christchurch in March 2022, SVA has now been launched in all 27 sites nationwide.

Philippa Johnson-Alatalo, IDEA Services National Programme Manager – Community Contribution, says it’s a meaningful way for people supported by IDEA Services to volunteer their time. “SVA enables people with intellectual disabilities to participate and be valued as an important part of their communities,” says Philippa. Since 2022, more than 600 volunteers have clocked up 91,000 hours of service, and over 6,500 hours in 2026 so far.

“The variety of work is diverse – from teaching music or dance, to working in community groups, to supporting environmental causes like Climate Action Campus,” says Philippa. “It’s all about ensuring people with disabilities feel valued for their contribution right across the community. It fosters a sense of belonging and drives social change through volunteering.”

For the team volunteering at Climate Action Campus, there were many highlights to the day:

“I liked helping with the wheelbarrow and getting on the ground, ripping the weeds out with gloves – giving everything a go.” – Joshua

“When we were pulling the weeds, they were tough to pull out. I fell on the ground and it made me laugh.” – Mark

“I liked meeting new people.” – Amanda

Even an accidental broken water pipe (unintentional water feature) added to the fun of the day.

“I liked watching the water pipe burst and helping out in the garden too.” – Luke

The sense of belonging, and being part of something meaningful, shines through.

“It makes me feel good and gives me work and real-life experience.” – Luke

“It is the right thing to do – I feel happy.” – Mark

Perhaps Hayden summed it up best when he said, “it makes me feel like I have done something good with my life, it gives me purpose to use my powers for good.”

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Image: From left, Sophie, Philippa Johnson-Alatalo, Benette Bernaldez (Support Worker).