Local trust aims to set environmental clean up record

A local group is searching for volunteers to help set the record for the largest single environmental clean-up in New Zealand.

The Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust is hoping to gather more than 2000 volunteers on April 30 to help clean up all 10km of the Puhinui Stream in Manukau.

The trust was founded in 2001 with an aim to ‘promote, support and undertake actions and initiatives to beautify Auckland’, ranging from the removal of graffiti to organising educational environmental events.

Trust relationship manager, Barbara Carney, said the stream is constantly filled with litter as a result of people dumping rubbish into their backyards, and aims to get the community on board to help protect their waterways.

“What we are really trying to achieve is to raise public awareness and let people know that this stream is a treasure in your backyard and we’ve got to look after it,” Mrs Carney said.

“New Zealand is known as a green country and everybody has got to realise that it’s their responsibility to do the right thing and protect the environment.”

Mrs Carney said that organising a large clean-up effort is important in developing community pride.

“We did some research and there isn’t actually a clean-up record here in New Zealand so we’re hoping the public will get involved and help their community,” Mrs Carney said.

“When people work together collaboratively it makes it quite an exciting project and gives people the feeling that they are not alone and that together we can do this.”

Sustainable Coastlines office manager Jodi Pretscherer said that the charity is excited to be a sponsor of the event.

“The Puhinui Stream is a beautiful asset to Manukau and it needs to have some love and attention, so trying to set a New Zealand record of the most people doing a clean-up is a fun thing to be a part of,” Mrs Pretscherer said.

The stream clean will run from 8am-12.30pm on April 30, and will be followed by a free barbecue and entertainment for all participants at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

To volunteer at the event, find the application form on the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust’s website.