16/06/2025
✨Happy National Volunteer Week 2025 and Big Shout out to our international student Mingying who looks after our environment and our Wellington community. Read her story of joy, hope and making new connections. ✨
And well done Victoria Student Volunteer Army for creating volunteering opportunitties for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students.
“Well, that is gold.” – A Moment of Joy at Oriental Bay
On May 4th, I joined a monthly beach clean-up at Oriental Bay in Wellington, hosted by the Victoria Student Volunteer Army. It was a beautiful Sunday morning with the classic Wellington wind in the air. We gathered with gloves, tongs, and rubbish bags, working together to help restore the natural beauty of the coastline.
I worked alongside other volunteers to remove rubbish from the coastline. As we worked, a woman walking past smiled and asked, “Looking for gold?” I explained we were collecting trash, and she replied with a sparkle in her eye, “Well, that is gold.” That one comment deeply moved me, it reminded me that even the smallest acts—like picking up rubbish—carry real value. That moment lifted my heart and has stayed with me since.
Throughout the morning, passers-by offered kind words and encouragement, creating a strong sense of connection among strangers. It wasn’t just about cleaning a beach; it was about building community. At the end of the clean-up, Cam, the SVA leader, told us that this beach is cleaned by volunteers every month—which is why it stays so well-maintained despite having no dedicated cleaner. That commitment really moved me. Their quiet, consistent efforts make a lasting impact.
Volunteering that day made me feel more hopeful about people and the planet. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by environmental issues, but this experience reminded me that collective action can create meaningful change. I made new connections, grew more confident, and found joy in giving back.
