SVA Club
Collective action, led by students
SVA University Clubs provide a platform for students to translate shared purpose into collective action. Through clubs, students self-organise volunteering projects, respond to community needs, and build leadership experience alongside their studies.
What Are SVA University Clubs?
- Organise and lead volunteering projects
- Respond to local community needs
- Develop leadership, teamwork, and coordination skills
- Connect study with real-world service
Through training, support, and national connection, students gain practical experience while contributing meaningfully to community wellbeing.
Why Join an SVA Club?
- For Students: Leadership, employability, purpose
- For Communities: Responsive, organised volunteer support
- For Universities: Stronger civic engagement and student wellbeing
University Clubs strengthen student employability, sustain long-term civic participation, and connect tertiary education with real-world service.
Connect with your local club
Follow our university clubs on Instagram to see what they're up to and get involved.
University of Canterbury (UC)
Christchurch
@sva_ucAs the foundation branch of the Student Volunteer Army, UC SVA remains our largest and most active hub, boasting over 1,000 members. Born out of the 2010/2011 Christchurch Earthquakes, our legacy has evolved from a local student response into a nationwide movement dedicated to crisis relief and environmental equity. Led by 2026 President Johann Tores and an executive team of 28, we deliver weekly 'Platoon' service projects alongside four major annual events—including our flagship 'Big Give,' which recently saw over 400 volunteers mobilise in a single day. Beyond our scheduled events, we remain true to our roots: providing rapid-response manual labour when disaster strikes, as seen in our recent deployments to Nelson, Wairoa, Little River, and Wainui. We are a proud, tight-knit team who are passionate about continuing the SVA mission.
Auckland University
Auckland
@auckland_svaFollowing the organisation’s success in Christchurch since its founding in 2011, we are proud to be the Auckland branch of the Student Volunteer Army. We run fun and meaningful volunteering events across Tāmaki Makaurau and the wider North Island. Students get involved to explore and give back to their local communities, connect with others, and gain experience in new and exciting areas—while having a great time along the way. We’re here to create a space where everyone feels comfortable to participate and contribute. If you are a student at Auckland University, what are you waiting for? Start your SVA journey with us.
University of Otago
Dunedin
@otago_svaOtago Student Volunteer Army is a tertiary club led by students, for students, under the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) charity. At Otago SVA, we aim to enhance the culture of accessible volunteering to students, bridging the gap between ourselves and our wider Otago community. We work with organisations who share our values and goals, allowing us to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities to all University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students, for the benefit of all. We are free to join, and hold a range of events throughout the year, there is no commitment necessary so you can choose to get involved as often as you’d like. We provide free kai and transport for all of our events. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with our projects.
University of Waikato
Hamilton & Tauranga
@sva_uowThe Waikato SVA is your gateway to making a real impact while you study in our region. We provide a platform for students to stay connected with local volunteering news, network with like-minded peers, and get stuck into meaningful community projects from both our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. Whether you’re just looking to join the movement, can spare a few hours once a year, or you’re a seasoned "volunteer veteran"—there’s a place for you here. We welcome students, staff, and the wider public—anyone with a passion for service is part of the army!
Lincoln University
Canterbury
@lincoln_svaJoining Lincoln SVA is about more than just volunteering; it’s about joining a tight-knit community of students who are passionate about the land and the people who work it. We specialise in practical, outdoor service that supports our local region. From restoring local ecosystems through on-farm planting projects to responding to real-world emergencies—like our 2025 flood relief deployment to Kaikōura vineyards—our members get unique experiences that build both skills and friendships. We maintain a steady rhythm of three events per term and love collaborating with our neighbors at UC SVA for large-scale events. If you're looking to give back while getting out in the fresh air, Lincoln SVA is the place for you.
Victoria University
Wellington
@vic_svaBased in the heart of our capital city, Vic SVA is all about turning student passion into positive action. We provide a platform for Victoria students to connect with meaningful projects that support the wider Wellington community. Whether it’s urban environmental restoration, supporting local food banks, or rapid-response cleanup after a storm, we believe that student energy can drive real change. No matter your degree or your schedule, if you want to make Wellington a better place, there’s a spot for you in our ranks.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Auckland
@autclubstudentvolunteerarmyThe Student Volunteer Army has officially arrived at AUT! As our newest branch in Aotearoa, the AUT SVA is in an exciting phase of growth and establishment. Currently led by Anthony—a dedicated member of the SVA Foundation team—this club is perfect for students who want to be more than just volunteers; they want to help build a legacy from the ground up. Whether you’re based at City, North, or South campus, we’re looking for a foundation crew to help us bring the SVA spirit of service to the AUT community.
Keen to Join an SVA Club?
If your university has an SVA Club, you can join and get involved immediately. If not, we'll help you explore starting one.
