1 February 2006

Volunteers needed for creek and coast litter clean-up

Auckland City's summer creek and coast clean-up programme is about to commence again in the wake of a successful effort by volunteers last year.

This year's programme runs from February through until April, with volunteers encouraged to help clean-up nine different waterways around the city. The programme brochure called Your coast, your creek is out now to give people information on how to make a difference to their local environment.

In 2005, over 200 volunteers collected 2.5 tonnes of inorganic rubbish at 12 locations across the city.

A wide range of litter was removed including vehicle parts, a washing machine and kitchen sink, mattresses, a microwave, car batteries, computer parts, and numerous plastic bottles and pieces of glass.

Auckland City park volunteer programme coordinator, David Bowden, says the clean-up programme provides a fun way to meet your neighbours while taking direct action to improve both the community and the environment.

"Everyone can play a part in keeping Auckland's waterways free from rubbish. We constantly see inorganic rubbish like shopping trolleys, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, food wrappers and car tyres polluting these valuable natural places. The clean-up programme is a great way to make the environment healthier and safer for Aucklanders to enjoy," says Mr Bowden.

Litter thrown directly into streams or washed down through stormwater drains can transform creeks and beaches into unhealthy and unsightly places. Rubbish can also choke and trap birds, and kill aquatic life.

Auckland City's 2006 summer coast and creek clean-up activities include: * Oakley Creek, Mt Albert on Sunday 12 February at 9.30am * Manukau Foreshore East, Onehunga on Sunday 19 February at 9am * Point England Reserve on Sunday 26 February at 10am * Wattle Bay Reserve, Manukau Foreshore West on Sunday 5 March at 9am * Church Bay, Waiheke Island on Sunday 12 March at 10.30am * Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve, Glendowie on Sunday 26 March at 10am * Manukau Foreshore East, Onehunga on Sunday 2 April at 9am * Dunkirk Reserve, Tamaki/Panmure on Saturday 8 April at 9.30am * Waterview Park and Esplanade, Waterview on Sunday 9 April at 9.30am.

Registration is not necessary, simply turn up on the day wearing sturdy shoes, sunscreen and strong gloves.

The volunteer creek and coast clean-up programme brochure includes a fold out map and calendar. It is available from all Auckland City libraries or by calling the Auckland City call centre on (09) 379 2020.

Information and clean-up dates are also available on the Auckland City website, www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/parkvolunteer

ENDS

© Scoop Media