LAST CHANCE FOR KIWIS TO REGISTER FOR CLEAN UP

New Zealanders have only a few days to register their contribution for this year's Clean Up New Zealand Week and help keep their region tidy.

The Week, which runs from 15 -- 21 September, is aiming to attract more than a quarter of a million Kiwis who want to keep New Zealand clean and green.

Already 944 groups with more than 203,750 participants from throughout the country have registered to take part in the event.

Registrations can be made by visiting www.cleanupnz.org.nz or phoning 0800 315 000 to register a clean up effort and be part of the national event.

The annual event is now in its fifth year. Last year's Clean Up participants helped to clear away an estimated 3,000 tonnes of rubbish from lakes, roadsides, parks and reserves.

Clean Up NZ Week national operations manager, Juliet Malins says New Zealanders have always been out in force during past Clean Up campaigns and she hopes this year will be no different.

"It is fantastic to see so many people out there demonstrating how much they care about the community in which we live. It doesn't take much to give up a few hours to remove rubbish, but the effects can last a life--time," says Ms Malins.

Hundreds of community groups, schools and businesses around the country have already begun planning their events, which range from graffiti clean ups to unclogging waterways in a diverse range of locations.

Clean Up New Zealand is this country's largest community--run, environmental event. It aims to encourage all New Zealanders to clean up rubbish in their local area, and work towards long--term solutions to reduce waste.

Clean Up New Zealand Week is supported by the Ministry for the Environment and local councils. It is sponsored by TV3, McDonald's, The Warehouse and DDB Advertising.

Clean Up New Zealand is one of 200 countries participating in the Clean Up the World campaign which has mobilised millions of people to make a difference in their local community.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Juliet Malins Clean Up NZ Trust Ph: 0800 315 000 Email: cleanupnz@xtra.co.nz

© Scoop Media