Horizons Regional Council is inviting Whanganui residents to join them and the Department of Conservation for a South Beach clean-up on Saturday.
The clean-up is part of the national Seaweek celebrations, which started last Saturday and aim to encourage New Zealanders to get to know the ocean, its habitats, characteristics and inhabitants.
Horizons environmental educator Sarah Galley said the clean-up was a great opportunity for the community to come together to care for a local asset.
"Caring for the beach by ensuring it is litter-free is really important as it is the last port of call for rubbish before it ends up in the ocean," she says.
Community ranger Scotty Moore said DoC was pleased to be co-ordinating Seaweek for the Whanganui district.
"We appreciate working with our partner organisations to raise awareness of the species and challenges that exist along our unique coastline," he says.
Ms Galley says the clean-up will kick off at 3pm from the parking area at the South Beach end of Airport Rd and wrap up at approximately 5pm with a barbecue supplied by DOC.
"DoC is offering three options for those that wish to take part.
"The first is getting on a bus to the South Beach end of Pauri Domain Rd and walking back approximately six kilometres to Airport Rd.
"For this option, participants need to register with DoC as seats are limited to 50.
"Another option is walking from Airport Rd to meet the Pauri Domain walkers, and this is a good choice for those who are unsure if they can commit to a long distance or arrive late.
"Finally, people can walk through the dunes from Airport Rd or walk along the beach towards the South Mole and meet others returning."
Ms Galley said if other members of the community would like to join the event DoC asked that they wear appropriate clothing for the exposed beach, bring snacks and supply their own gloves. Buckets and sacks for collecting rubbish would be provided.
Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon said the clean-up was a chance for people to respect and nurture the beach environment.
"Cleaning the beach not only creates a more pleasant experience for those that visit the area, but also helps with sand dune care and water quality.
"Horizons is pleased to be part of this event and appreciates the local contributions of time and resources."
To register for the bus option or to find out more, please call Scotty Moore on 06 349 2134 or email smoore@doc.govt.nz.
To find out more about Seaweek - which ends on Sunday - see www.seaweek.org.nz