14th April 2016

Aucklanders challenged to ‘clean-up’ and make environmental history

Aucklanders are encouraged to play a part in environmental history by signing up for an attempt to set the record for the country’s ‘Largest single environmental clean-up’.

Organisers say there’s still time to pre-register for the event, which aims to attract at least 2000 volunteers for a mass Auckland community clean-up effort. The event on Saturday 30th April 2016 focuses on the Puhinui Stream to the foreshore, along with the Otara Creek – both notorious ‘urban dumping grounds’.

Adding an element of excitement and competition, organisers this week launched a social media challenge. Businesses, community groups, schools, marae and church groups are urged to form a team, register for the record attempt, and pass the challenge on to another group or business using the hashtag #NZLARGESTCLEANUP. Individuals are encouraged to challenge friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues.

Graeme Bakker, General Manager of the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust, which is coordinating the attempt, says this is a unique opportunity for Aucklanders to be part of our environmental history in exchange for a few hours of their time.

“Although the record attempt is South Auckland-based, we want all Aucklanders to rally together to show the rest of the country we can work collectively as one big community to effect change. We’re aiming to have fun and set a New Zealand record at the same time, but we can’t do it alone. Let’s make this an outstanding first record attempt with impressive volunteer numbers,” says Mr Bakker.

The Puhinui Stream winds through and under Auckland's south-western suburbs. Together with its tributaries it represents 12 kilometers of integral waterways feeding directly into the Manukau Harbour. Both the Puhinui Stream and Otara Creek have become dumping grounds, with washing machines, fridges, couches, tyres, bikes and shopping trolleys often recovered during local clean-up efforts..

“People often forget that our streams feed into the sea, so if we want to continue enjoying them for recreation and fresh sea food, we need to keep our own backyards clean. This is about so much more than a local clean-up attempt. It’s an opportunity for families, community groups, businesses and the wider community to join together to help change attitudes and establish good habits. It will also serve as a powerful tool to help our young people appreciate the treasure in their backyard.” adds Mr Bakker.

Through the record attempt organisers want to foster a community interest in keeping the Puhinui Stream and Otara Creek clean, encouraging those who participate to return to the site regularly to ensure their hard work is preserved.

Pre-registration for the event at http://www.beautifulmanukau.org.nz/new-zealand-record-attempt.html is essential to ensure all volunteers are included in the final tally. Volunteers will meet at the Auckland Botanic Gardens’ event site for official registration between 8-9am, including a photo opportunity, safety briefing and distribution of gloves and bags. Groups will then be transported by buses to starting points along the stream and foreshore, where litter will be collected throughout the morning. It’s anticipated the clean-up will be complete by 12.30pm, when volunteers will be transported back to the Botanic Gardens for celebrations with games, music, and refreshments. All litter will be collected, collated and weighed off-site, and participants will be notified about the volume of litter collected post-event.

The record attempt also paves the way for the local board’s big event – the ‘Puhinui Stream Challenge 6km Fun Walk’ - onSaturday 7th May, by ensuring the area is free of litter and looking pristine for the community get-together.

The record attempt is coordinated by the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust, in partnership with Auckland Council, Wai Care, and Sustainable Coastlines.

NZ Record Attempt: 'Largest Single Environmental Clean Up in NZ'

Where: Puhinui Stream to the foreshore, and Otara Creek, Southern Auckland.

When: Saturday 30th April 2016, 8am – 12.30pm, followed by entertainment and refreshments

Registrations: Pre-registration for the event is essential via http://www.beautifulmanukau.org.nz/new-zealand-record-attempt.html

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