AUT staff join South Auckland community in record-setting clean-up
More than 80 AUT staff members participated in a successful attempt to set the New Zealand record for ‘Largest Single Environmental Clean-up’ on Saturday 30 April.
The University partnered with the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust, Auckland Council, Wai Care, The Roots Creative and Sustainable Coastlines to create this piece of environmental history.
Jo-Anne Lewis, Community Relations Manager at AUT says it was fitting for AUT to partner with these particular community organisations on this project.
“We share their vision to work together with our community, beautifying and enriching our living environment The event aligned well with AUT‘s commitment to the communities and environs it serves,” says Lewis
AUT were designated the clean-up site of Otara Creek in the bid to keep South Auckland pristine. Otara Creek is located just near the AUT South Campus, and efforts made by staff were expected to make an immediate impact on the local waterways.
More than 1,900 volunteers from the wider community took part in the clean-up. The result of their efforts were evident in ten tonnes of rubbish, including 500kgs of recyclable waste collected by Downer at the day’s end. 200 shopping trollies and 300 tyres also made up the audit total – 15 of which were excavated from the Otara Creek by AUT volunteers.
Operations Manager at Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust, Lincoln Jefferson, says AUT’s role in the Largest Single Environmental Clean Up has been significant and important to the South Auckland community.
“A huge thank you from us to everyone at AUT for their commitment to civic pride and environmental awareness in their community. We hope that we can work on future projects which will have a positive impact on our environment.”
South Campus Engagement Manager Jody Jackson-Becerra also acknowledged the importance of engaging with the local community.
“AUT South Campus is in the heart of South Auckland and we are committed to working together with our communities to effect real, positive change,” says Jackson-Becerra.
“Seeing 1900 people from all over Auckland get amongst it during the day was exciting and achieve something really tangible and worthwhile, was exciting - Congratulations to the hardworking team at Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust for bringing us all together.”
Jackson-Becerra also notes the important influence events like the clean-up can have on future generations.
“We want to influence our tamariki in a positive way because they’re the future leaders of Aotearoa,” she says.
“Being part of the clean-up is about taking positive action and having pride in our environment.”