Sam has been the main organiser behind the Volunteer Student Army cleaning the streets in Christchurch.

Originally from Mayfield, Sam went to school in Christchurch, before spending a gap year overseas. Returning to New Zealand he started his degree in law and political science at Canterbury University.

In 2010 he was elected to the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board, determined to show that young people are an invaluable asset to their communities.

When the Canterbury quakes hit, Sam’s simple idea of a page on Facebook gathered a few hundred, then a few thousand volunteers together to remove the liquefaction from the streets of Christchurch.

Sam put his university study on hold as the volunteer army grew and proved to be a full-time commitment.

Sam was named Young New Zealander of the Year in February 2012.