Cleanup boat rakes in Waitemata Harbour's rubbish

Over 26,000 litres of rubbish from throughout the entire Auckland region was picked up from Waitemata Harbour by the 'Phil Warren' cleanup boat in April to June 2005. That is the equivalent of about 219 red-lidded wheelie bins.

"Waitemata Harbour is enjoyed by Aucklanders and is a magnet for tourists. It's important that we make sure our rubbish doesn't end up in the harbour and spoil this beautiful site," says Auckland City's Works and Services Committee chairperson, Councillor Neil Abel.

The Waitemata Harbour Cleanup Trust uses the 'Phil Warren' to scoop up rubbish from the harbour. Kayaks or a flat-bottomed punt are used to clean along the shoreline and beaches as well as in estuaries and mangrove areas.

Of the 26,350 litres collected in April to June 2005, some 14,600 litres (enough to fill 121 red-lidded wheelie bins) was collected within Auckland city.

"Rubbish from Auckland city was mainly collected from Rangitoto Island. It would appear that the island acts as a 'trap' for litter before heading further into the Hauraki Gulf," Councillor Abel says.

He says that the trust is doing outstanding work to keep Waitemata Harbour clean but we all need to do our bit to stop rubbish from entering the harbour.

"Items such as plastic bags and bottles are blown into the sea as well as polystyrene from building sites that are near waterways. When you're down by the beach, you need to make sure you dispose of your rubbish in a bin or recycle it, otherwise it's likely to find its way into the water."

Since its inception in 2002, the Phil Warren has collected 132,563 litres of rubbish in Auckland city alone, whilst 341,240 litres (enough to fill 2,843 red-lidded wheelie bins) has been collected within the entire harbour.

Auckland City provides financial support for the trust along with other councils and corporates.

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