NZ's Largest Clean-up: 1,900 Volunteers Make Environmental History

Over 1,900* Aucklanders rallied together to make environmental history yesterday (Saturday 30th April) – clearing a staggering 5 tonnes of rubbish, approximately half a tonne of recyclable material, over 200 shopping trolleys and 300 car tyres. In doing so, they set the record for the country’s ‘Largest single environmental clean-up’.

Organisers were overwhelmed by the turnout for the mass Auckland community clean-up effort, which focused on 10km of the Puhinui Stream to the foreshore, along with Otara Creek – areas which lived up to their reputation as ‘urban dumping grounds’.

Lincoln Jefferson, Operations Manager for the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust, which coordinated the attempt, said he was impressed with the enthusiasm shown by volunteers, many of whom had travelled from across Auckland for the clean-up event. .

“It was truly humbling to see Aucklanders working together for the good of the environment on such a mass scale. We’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to join us in this remarkable event. The volume of litter recovered serves as a wake-up call that we need to clean-up and protect our waterways, and not continue to treat them as dumping grounds,” says Mr Jefferson.

Volunteers came from a diverse cross-section of the community and from all regions of Auckland, ranging in age from toddlers to those in their 80's.

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

ENDS

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