Last year more than 1000 volunteers collected 10.4 tonnes of rubbish from 50 beaches between Marahau and Cable Bay totalling about 293km of coastline.
This year’s Big Beach Clean-up happens on the 19 November from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. And already a range of groups, many involved with last year’s event, have signed up to take part in the community spring-clean.
Service clubs, council teams, boat and outrigger clubs, political parties, media teams, tramping clubs, sea scouts, church groups and businesses are involved, spurred on by last year’s success and a reflection of how much Kiwis love their coastal playgrounds.
Participants in this year’s event will no doubt be mindful of the environmental impact of Rena’s grounding in the Bay of Plenty – a reminder of the vulnerability of our coastlines and natural heritage to human activity.
The Department of Conservation project, in partnership with Tasman District Council, Nelson City Council and Nelmac, will run along the same lines as last year, with interested groups visiting the DOC website and staking their claim for a particular section of beach. Organiser Rudy Tetteroo, of DOC, says they were “very pleased… ecstatic, really” with the full turnout for last year’s inaugural clean-up, and many of those groups have been quick off the mark in registering again.
Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says the clean-up is “a great way for the community to show they care about the environment. Last year’s effort was outstanding.” Sections of beach are still available so register your team now.
“Toi tu te marae o Tangaroa? Toi tu te marae o nga Tangata.”
If the domain of Tangaroa is healthy? Then the people will be healthy.
