Tauranga is gearing up for the World Vision 40-Hour Challenge this weekend, with local students preparing to take part and city landmarks set to light up in support of the nationwide fundraiser.

Students at Bethlehem College are among those getting ready to go offline for 40 hours from June 19 to 21, giving up phones, gaming, social media and other technology as part of the annual challenge, the school said.

The college has already raised more than $18,000 towards its $20,000 target, with students undertaking a range of fundraising activities in the lead-up to the challenge.

Participating schools in Tauranga that will be taking part in the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, including: Otumoetai College; Papamoa College; Te Puke Intermediate; Fairhaven School; Mt. Maunganui College; Tauranga Girls’ College; Tauranga Intermediate and Mount Maunganui Intermediate.

In a visible show of support, several Tauranga landmarks will be illuminated in orange alongside more than 60 sites nationwide. The Wharf St lights, Beacon Wharf, Masonic Park, Waterfront Park North, the Waterfront Playground and Tunks Reserve are among the sites to light up.

The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is New Zealand’s largest youth fundraising event.

This year’s campaign encourages participants to disconnect from screens while raising money for children in Solomon Islands.

Across the country, young people are taking on a wide range of challenges, including endurance activities, community service projects and creative fundraising efforts aimed at highlighting the realities faced by vulnerable communities.

World Vision national director TJ Grant said he was continually impressed by the creativity and commitment shown by participants.

“It’s inspiring to see so many young people embracing creative challenges and giving up screen time for a short time to support vulnerable children in Solomon Islands, where nearly half of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and climate change is making it increasingly difficult for families to put food on the table,” he said.

Funds will go towards providing families in Solomon Islands with seeds, tools and training to grow more crops. Photo / World Vision

Grant said community support, including the lighting of landmarks, reflected the event’s long-standing place in New Zealand.

“The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage and it’s an honour that so many community organisations and monuments show their support for this campaign, New Zealand young people, and the children we are raising funds to help.”

Other landmarks lighting up orange around the country include Auckland’s Sky Tower, Spark Arena and Eden Park, Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens and art gallery, and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre.

Funds raised this year will go towards providing families in Solomon Islands with seeds, tools and training to grow more resilient crops, helping ensure children have consistent access to nutritious food.

Young people can take part individually or through schools, churches or community groups, with registrations open online.