Student Volunteer Army named Anzac of the Year

The Canterbury University Student Volunteer Army, in recognition of its significant contribution to the Christchurch community following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, has been awarded the Royal New Zealand RSA’s Anzac of the Year Award 2012.

The Award will be presented to the Student Volunteer Army by the Governor General, The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, at the University of Canterbury at 6pm on Tuesday 24 April 2012.

It is the first time the award, which recognises the efforts of New Zealanders who exemplify the Anzac qualities of comradeship, compassion, courage and commitment, has been given to non-military personnel or to more than one person.

Nominations for the award were made by the New Zealand public with the final recipients decided by a panel which included His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand (Chairman), Lieutenant General (Rtd) Don McIver CMG OBE, National President Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, Chief of Defence Force and Sir Brian Lochore ONZ KNZM OBE.

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Anzac of the Year Award was established in 2010 to recognise the spirit of Anzac evident in New Zealanders today and is awarded for a single act or for significant service to New Zealanders or the international community.

The spirit of Anzac is embodied in the 1915 story of New Zealand Gallipoli hero Private Richard Henderson and the donkey where the qualities of comradeship, compassion, courage and commitment were exemplified in his service.

The aim of the Award is to recognise the efforts and achievements of an outstanding New Zealander, or New Zealanders, who have given service in a positive, selfless and compassionate manner.