St. Cuthbert's Service Trip to Lautoka

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With a focus on cultural immersion, community service and environmental action, 16 students and 3 staff members from Auckland's St. Cuthbert's College embarked on a transformative journey to Fiji during the April school holidays. This service trip offered students the unique opportunity to connect with local communities, contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts and bring their school’s values to life beyond the classroom.

The group worked in several rural schools outside of Lautoka and assisted the community at Taiperia to plant 600 mangroves as part of joint initiative with the Reddy Foundation and Tanoa Hotel Group to protect, restore and preserve Fiji's coastal ecosystems.  

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It was an eye-opening and deeply rewarding experience for students and staff alike as they lived the St Cuthbert's College Motto 'By Love Serve' by putting service into action. The trip enabled the students to understand how they have a responsibility to give back to those less fortunate than themselves and to grow to become socially responsible leaders who are inclusive, compassionate and engaged Global Citizens.  

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St Cuthbert's is grateful to the Reddy Foundation for their assistance in organising this remarkable experience. From arranging the school visits to the insightful and thought-provoking guest speakers to covering the costs of all our on-island transport and mangrove planting. 

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- Penni Glengarry, St. Cuthbert's College

The group worked in several rural schools outside of Lautoka and engaged closely with the local community at Taiperia. In addition to hands-on planting, students learned firsthand about the critical importance of mangroves in combating coastal erosion, supporting biodiversity, and sequestering carbon, making this a powerful lesson in climate resilience and ecological restoration.

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Mr. Narend Kumar, Area General Manager for Tanoa Hotel Group in Fiji, said;

“We are proud to be part of this meaningful effort that not only supports Fiji’s environment but also inspires the next generation of changemakers. The involvement of the students from St Cuthbert’s College brings a powerful energy and message – that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility.”

Tanoa Hotel Group’s Sustainability Manager, Mr. Roneel Chand, added;

“Planting 600 mangrove seedlings in Taiperia is a direct investment in environmental resilience and a living classroom for our guests and partners. We are especially pleased to collaborate with the passionate students from St Cuthbert’s College, who bring a strong sense of purpose and international solidarity to this cause.”

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The seedlings were purchased from a village community in Rakiraki, supporting their ongoing environmental work and providing an income stream that encourages sustainable practices at the grassroots level.

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This unforgettable journey not only strengthened the students’ understanding of global issues but also deepened their commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Through hands-on service, heartfelt interactions and real-world learning, the group returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a lasting connection to the people and places they encountered. The experience stands as a testament to the power of service learning and the profound impact it can have on shaping tomorrow’s compassionate leaders.