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A student initiative is being rolled out aboard humanitarian aid ship, the MV Pacific Hope, with the aim of showing Tauranga students how privileged they are.

Aquinas College students boarded the ship to complete chores.

This week Aquinas College students boarded the ship docked at Sulphur Point to spend a day helping complete chores and learning from the Pacific Hope team.

The visit was encouraged by head girl Charlotte Skelton, who thought students could learn valuable lessons from the ship's team.

Pacific Hope is part of Tauranga-based Marine Reach – which delivers medical care, education and community development projects to countries in need. Pacific Hope is Marine Reach's latest aid vessel, which made its maiden voyage in 2013.

Charlotte invited Captain Jesse Misa to speak at the college.

'They could see the effect the boat will have on the community, so I think that really inspired people to come along and be part of it; and do something of service that will be so helpful for people in the Pacific.”

About 50 students took part on Tuesday, completing typical ship tasks, such as cleaning, carrying wood, removing rust and painting.

'Everyone's having a really good day,” Charlotte told The Weekend Sun on-board. 'You just think ‘Oh my arm's tired', but it's going to help other people so it's alright.”

Marine Reach is currently visiting other Tauranga secondary schools promoting the ship's activities and inviting students to spend a day on-board.

Marine Reach spokesperson Inga Stephenson says Aquinas College is the first in what she hopes will be many schools to take up the offer.

'This is a way they can come on-board, get close to what's going on and look at possible future career opportunities from our medical team and things like that.

'It's not beautiful work but it's the realities,” says Inga. 'And that's really the point; helping them to realise their lives are very privileged, and make them aware there are people in the world who live in huts not so far from here.”

It is also hoped schools will partner together to help raise funds for safety gear on the ship.

Marine Reach CEO Jesse Misa sees the students' trip as the first step of many aimed at connecting the youth of Tauranga, to be part of the organisation's work in New Zealand and the Pacific.

'We want to involve all youth, particularly those who are marginalised; they can have a dream too and have something to offer.”