Jenny Korneck - From international student to community changemaker in Christchurch

Building bridges, creating connections

When Jenny Korneck arrived in Christchurch from the small German town of Salzwedel, she was stepping into the unknown.

Just 18 months later, the Papanui High School student has become a mentor to international students, a volunteer across the city, a social entrepreneur tackling loneliness among older Christchurch residents, and the recipient of the 2026 Mayor’s International Student of the Year Award.

Papanui High School Director of International Students Tony Perring describes Jenny as "a student who schools only get to see once in a decade."

Learning leadership through global volunteering

Jenny’s commitment to service began long before New Zealand. She spent a year volunteering with environmental organisation Plant-for-the-Planet in Mexico and Kenya, managing tree nurseries and teaching primary school students about climate change. The experience reinforced a belief that leadership is about action.

That mindset followed her to Christchurch.

“After a couple of months, I realised I was already part of this community, even though I’d only just arrived, and I wanted to give back,” Jenny says.

Supporting fellow international students

At Papanui High School, she quickly became a trusted support person for fellow international students, helping new arrivals settle in, delivering orientation presentations, and offering guidance to those navigating life far from home.

“Being abroad by yourself can be hard. You miss your family and get homesick. It’s important to be there for each other because we’re all going through similar experiences.”

Redefining business as a force for good

Beyond school, Jenny and a fellow student launched Pressed & Posted, a social enterprise that creates and personally delivers care packages to older Christchurch residents, helping reduce social isolation through genuine connection.

“We realised there was a gap between busy families and elderly people who were often alone at home. We thought, why not build a bridge between them?”

The project has also changed how Jenny views business.

Growing up in Germany, she often saw business through the lens of performance and profit. Her experiences in New Zealand have shown her another side, more focused on community. “I’ve learned it’s not always just about profit. It’s also about giving back and caring for each other.”

That belief is shaping her future ambitions. Jenny hopes to study business, marketing and management, with aspirations to work for organisations such as UNICEF or help purpose-driven businesses grow their impact.

“Business has a huge influence on the world, and I believe it can be a powerful tool for positive change.”

Christchurch: A home away from home

Outside school and volunteering, Jenny embraces everything Christchurch has to offer, from running and surfing to exploring the region’s beaches and mountains.

Now, the city that once felt unfamiliar feels like home.

For someone whose leadership is built on connection, community and service, Christchurch has become more than a place to study. It has become a place to belong, and a place to make a difference.

Key takeaways

• International students often give back to their adopted communities. Jenny quickly became involved in school mentoring, volunteering, and community projects that support people across Christchurch.
• An international education experience can inspire new ideas. Jenny's social enterprise grew from seeing a local need and finding a practical way to help address loneliness among older residents.
• Strong local support helps students thrive. Jenny credits her host family, school, and wider community for helping Christchurch feel like home and enabling her to make the most of her experience.