Film, 'The silt worms - origins of the Student Volunteer Army'

The silt worms – origins of the Student Volunteer Army

Sam Johnson and Jason Pemberton helped establish the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) immediately after the first Canterbury earthquake struck on 4 September 2010. Through social media networking, thousands of students and helpers volunteered to clean up Christchurch streets and properties clogged with silt and liquefaction. The SVA became a major force after the devastating earthquake on 22 February 2011, when Civil Defence called on it to be the first response to calls for and offers of help.

In recognition of his leadership, Sam was named Young New Zealander of the Year 2012.

www.sva.org.nz

This video is part of a series of interviews about creative and community responses to the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes in Canterbury, New Zealand. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa