Community Clean up Motuihe Island

On Sunday 27 February Motuihe Island will receive a clean up of litter and weeds by the Bucklands Beach Sea Scouts, Otahuhu Intermediate School and community representatives from the Spirit of New Zealand Trust, the Sir Peter Blake Trust, the Waitemata Harbour Cleanup Trust and the Motuihe Trust.

The day will also include a sail on the Spirit of New Zealand, a BBQ lunch hosted by the Auckland Regional Council, and fun and games on the island.

Motuihe Island has been farmed since the 1800s and is administered by the Department of Conservation. The Motuihe Trust was established in 2000 to restore the island with native plants and birds while recognising the huge value the island has as a recreational destination.

Michael Lee, the Chairman of the Auckland Regional Council and member of the Waitemata Harbour Cleanup Trust and the Motuihe Island Restoration Trust, is supportive of the initiative.

"This is a wonderful example of cooperation in the community to benefit the environment. The Hauraki Gulf and its islands are an absolute treasure for the region and Motuihe Island is one of the jewels in the crown of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park," says Mr Lee. "The interaction of people and recreation with nature conservation sums up what the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is all about," he added.

Litter, mainly carried to the sea through Auckland's stormwater system, gets washed ashore on the island. The Waitemata Harbour Cleanup Trust's vessel, the "Phil Warren," will work with the Sea Scouts and school children to clean up the coast.

The day has been generously supported by the Lion Foundation and Fullers, with assistance from Emirates Team New Zealand.

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