News
1News profiles SVA founder Sam Johnson
By Matthew Rosenberg of Local Democracy Reporting
Mar 05, 2026
In a 1News Newsmakers feature, Sam Johnson reflects on helping launch the Student Volunteer Army after the Christchurch earthquakes and on the growth of volunteer-led crisis response since then. The piece looks back on SVA’s origins and the wider impact of the movement over the past decade.
Source: 1News, 19 April 2025. Link: Read the full story here.
“Volunteering has shaped me into a more empathetic leader and reminded me that the greatest reward isn’t recognition, but the chance to help others grow. SVA has shown me that service isn’t just about giving back—it’s about creating communities where everyone can thrive.”
