Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha| University of Canterbury Student Volunteer Army (UC SVA) kicked off the year with their biggest event, bringing over 340 students together for a day of environmental restoration. This year’s location, the Red Zone’s Corser Stream restoration site, held special significance—14 years ago, it was the site of devastation following the Christchurch earthquakes. Now, volunteers have returned—not to shovel liquefaction, but to rebuild and restore the land.
UC SVA President Connor Grant highlighted this connection to the volunteers, "It’s incredible to come back to the very same place where it all started."
Volunteers spent the morning mulching and weeding to support the growth of new native plantings that will one day form a riparian forest. Those looking for alternative tasks joined trap-box building or helped with invertebrate sampling, ensuring there was a way for everyone to contribute.
Despite the heat, spirits remained high as the team worked alongside Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park Trust, taking inspiration from the six-year-old restoration site just across the stream.
After a morning of hard mahi, volunteers were treated to a BBQ and live music, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and connect. The event wrapped up with words of thanks and inspiration from local ecologist Colin Meurk, reflecting on the impact of the work and the legacy of student volunteering.
The Big Give 2025 was more than just a day of volunteering—it was a powerful reminder of what a united community can achieve.
