Thousands of students across New Zealand are preparing for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, aiming to raise funds to combat climate change.

The event supports efforts to restore forests in Asia-Pacific countries like Timor-Leste.

“This year is the 50th year of the campaign and our focus is to fight the impacts of climate change for children,” said World Vision’s National Director, Grant Bayldon.

“By taking part in the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, Kiwi youth can play a part in working to make a difference in this vital space.”

Prominent Kiwis, including rugby player Caleb Clarke, content creators Win Wolf, Judah Metu-Teaukura, and Liv Martin, actor Kimberley Crossman, singer/songwriter Paige Tapara, and climate advocate Brianna Fruean, are fronting this year’s campaign.

Clarke highlighted the importance of giving back, stating, “The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is really special because it gets New Zealanders on board to help other people around the world in need.”

Several landmarks, such as Auckland's Sky Tower and Eden Park, will light up orange from June 21 to June 23 in support of the initiative.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner expressed pride in supporting the cause, especially as it coincides with Clarke’s participation in the Super Rugby Final.

The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge encourages young people to engage in activities like planting 40 trees, spending 40 hours outdoors, or completing a 4km beach clean-up to raise awareness and funds.

World Vision aims to restore one billion hectares of global forest over the next decade, potentially removing up to a quarter of the world’s carbon from the atmosphere.