All hands to 90 Mile Beach for clean-up

The organisers of the Great Ahipara/90 Mile Clean-up 2018 on Saturday week (November 10) are hoping for a strong response from the community.

"There are no organisations that will do this for us. It is not the responsibility of the FNDC or the Regional Council. No council or governmental organisation will clean the flotsam and waste off the beach for us," CBEC EcoSolutions environmental educator Jo Shanks said.

"The waste being left behind on the beach, or floating in on the tide, is building up, a mix of recyclables and plastics that never goes away. Plastic in the water kills sea life, and can make fish too toxic to eat."

Shane Clarkson had been the driving force behind last year's first, successful clean-up, when truckloads of waste were removed, including one load for recycling.

"This year we want to really knock it out of the park — or off the beach," Jo said.

EcoSolutions, Far North REAP, Kaitaia Timebank, Sweetwater Farms and the Ahipara Coastal Patrol were adding their energy this time, and would hopefully be supported by the wider community.

As well as picking up rubbish from "our longest, most beautiful beach," as much as possible of the disintegrating plastic matting that was installed 20 years ago, and was now making its way into the water as micro plastics, would be removed.

"Please let us know if you are going to come down the beach (from Hukatere or Waipapakauri Ramp) so we can sort out recycle/rubbish bags and a clean-up kit for your team," she added.

"Fulton Hogan has contributed $500 worth of petrol vouchers, so let us know if you will be joining us with your trucks and trailers.

"Repco, Carters, Hunting and Fishing and Placemakers have already donated some spot prizes, but more, and goodies for volunteers, are welcome. Groups, schools and organisations are also getting involved, but many hands will make light work.

REAP and Liquor King will provide refreshments for the volunteers, and Snagman and Whanau Meats are contributing sausages. Fingers crossed someone will be contributing bread and butter.

"Please show kaitiaki for Northland. Come along to Foreshore Rd at 8am for the karakia, 8.30am out to the beach till 11.30am. Let's see what we can do in a couple of hours, but remember, any day you visit the beach, be a tidy kaitiaki kiwi and keep our beach clean."