On the second Saturday of each month, the Apanui Salt Marsh care group and volunteers come together to tidy up the Whakatāne Riverbank.
Group member Colin Harrison says everyone was shocked by the cleanliness of the bank this month. He says it was quite unusual, “I've been doing this 11 years, and that is the tidiest I've seen it, whether it's Christmas or any time of the year.”
“Three of us were on the riverbank, and I doubt if we got a bag and a half between the three of us. I just couldn't believe it.”
“I think people are more aware of it [rubbish]," He said.
Harrison said the group received positive reactions from the walkers along the river, “They all say, you're doing a good job there, mate, well done!”
The group believes the Riverbank is the town’s “shop window.”
“Lots of motorhomes stop down there, and they make wonderful comments on how tidy it is.”
He said it is sad to see “a rubbish bin near, and rubbish within 10 meters of it.”
They had a “wonderful turnout” this month, with two newcomers joining in on the mahi. He said the pair from Auckland were impressed with how clean and tidy the town was.
“The camaraderie was just glorious. I just can't thank the people that help us enough.” He said, “They are a wonderful bunch of people."
Harrison loves being a part of it and encourages everyone from the community to join. “It costs nothing and everything is provided.”
The Apanui Saltmarsh Care Group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 8:00am. Volunteers should bring their own gumboots, but all other necessary equipment is provided.
Athletes, Amputees, and Disabled People Are Encouraged to Compete in Born to Adapt, in Rotorua's Redwood Forest
