Volunteers in Central Hawke's Bay helped to clean up State Highway 2 between Waipawa and Ōtāne on Sunday, collecting 1100kg of rubbish.
Volunteers in Central Hawke's Bay helped to clean up State Highway 2 between Waipawa and Ōtāne on Sunday, collecting 1100kg of rubbish.
Central Hawke’s Bay is looking brighter thanks to a busload of dedicated volunteers and community helpers who rolled up their sleeves for Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s national Clean Up Week.
On Sunday, volunteers collected over 1100kg of rubbish along a 3.4km stretch of State Highway 2 between Waipawa andŌtāne, which was closed to motorists in just under three hours.
Surprising finds included a $50 note, a vintage Dannevirke Brewery bottle, ploughing equipment, hub caps, petrol caps, and even part of a Christmas tree.
The majority of waste collected was far less exciting and included recyclable plastics, beer bottles, and cans.
“Locals took the initiative in their own neighbourhoods. Together, we’ve shown that keeping Central Hawke’s Bay beautiful is something everyone can do.”
Rua Pani is the NZTA regional manager of maintenance and operations for the Central North Island.
Pani said the event was a great example of collaboration.
“It was fantastic to be involved on the day and to see what can be achieved when council, NZTA, and the community come together with a shared purpose.”
Pani said by working alongside volunteers, they were able to make the highway safer, cleaner, and more welcoming.
A truck load of rubbish collected by dedicated volunteers from along the closed highway.
”Some volunteers said the clean-up felt like a bit of a treasure hunt."
Hon said it was frustrating to see so many recyclable items dumped carelessly.
“It’s disappointing, because much of what we picked up could have been recycled for free at any of our local drop-off centres, which are open 24 hours every day.
“Instead, it ends up littering our roadsides and taking away from the beauty of our district.”
Other community efforts were underway across Waipawa with local crews painting the fence along High St, giving the township a lift.
CHB College students added fresh colour to the picket fence at Nelly Jull Park.
The park gardens also received a spruce-up, with new mulch and painting.
To encourage even more participation, 30 litter packs were made available at Waipawa Library and Te Huinga Wai – The Knowledge and Learning Hub, for locals keen to tidy their own streets, neighbourhoods, and favourite spots during Clean Up Week.
