The man who mobilised the volunteer army after the Christchurch earthquake has launched another initiative today to motivate people to do an hour of public service on ANZAC Day.

Former New Zealander of the year Sam Johnson has set up Serve for New Zealand.

He told Rebecca Wright it's a result of a challenge made to him by the Governor-General while he was being presented the ANZAC award two years ago, that his organisation should do more for the elderly people.

Mr Johnson said they have been searching for something that can motivate people outside a disaster.

"And what better day to test this thing out than a day that in many senses does unite the country, but also it's got a really important undertone to it around service, so it's not just about remembering the past but it's actually about living that spirit of service that the Anzac [soldiers] had."

LISTEN ABOVE FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH SAM JOHNSON