On a recent teacher-only day, they helped out eight local organisations, delivering 188 hours — the equivalent of 23 full working days — of collective labour.
The annual exercise was led by Volunteer South, whose community connector Paula Denton says "seeing youth step up like this highlights the incredible value of youth volunteering".
"Young people bring an amazing energy and fresh perspective to our sector — we really encourage local organisations to engage with youth volunteers more often."
Among various causes, students supported environmental restoration and biodiversity protection with Mana Tahuna and the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Group — one student alone managed to clear about 210sqm of wilding pines.
Others tackled retail work at the SPCA op shop, helped at the council libraries, supported community creativity at Te Atamira and provided social connection at Happiness House, Plunket and the Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association.
