NZ help heads to remote island

Louise Musgrove (left), Karen O'Halloran, Ezekiel Wetere, Chris Wetere, Jethro George, Talor Wetere and Sharon Davis are on their way to the Philippines. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Seven Northlanders who already help many young people in the region are off to the Philippines to give their time to those less fortunate.

The team of Te Ora Hou youth and early childhood workers have flown out to the capital, Manila, then will fly to the remote island of Samar for 14 days.

Jethro George, 23, a full-time youth worker with Te Ora Hou, said when the opportunity arose he immediately said yes: "It's very important for us to be able to experience what other cultures are like."

The team had prepared for community work, particularly with young people, and hoped to share some Kiwi culture.

"We're hoping to be as much a part of the community as possible," Mr George said.

The volunteers will live in the same conditions as those they help and may struggle to find working electricity.

Te Ora Hou Northland manager Lou Davis said many of the volunteers would be out of their comfort zone.

"They are going to have to be able to be really flexible and go with the flow," Mr Davis said.

However, it was as much about growing the volunteers as about helping the Samar people.