Foxton Beach clean-up celebrates national Seaweek

Horizons Regional Council is inviting Horowhenua residents to join them for a Foxton Beach clean-up on Friday 3 March.

The clean-up is part of the national Seaweek celebrations, which aims to encourage New Zealanders to get to know the ocean, its habitats, characteristics and inhabitants better during the week of 25 February-5 March.

Horizons environmental educator Sarah Galley says the clean-up is 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.

“We’ve had a really positive response to the event so far with Foxton Beach Surf Club members, Horowhenua District Councillors, Bainesse School, and OMV Group staff from Wellington and New Plymouth indicating they will be attending. The Surf Club is letting us use their facilities for the day and Horowhenua District Council are providing rubbish bags and collection, which is fantastic.
 
Ms Galley says the clean-up will kick off at 10.30am from the Foxton Beach carpark and wrap up at approximately 12.30pm with a BBQ supplied by Horizons.

“We are also providing transport for 60 Shannon School pupils. The school is a friend of Enviroschools, with the beach clean-up providing a hands-on opportunity to see environmental education in action.

“Following the clean-up I’ll also be undertaking a rubbish audit so those attending can get an appreciation for what objects are most commonly found on the beach. If other members of the community would like to join us we ask that they wear appropriate clothing for the exposed beach, bring snacks and supply their own gloves.”

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon says the clean-up is a great opportunity 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 host this event and appreciates the local contributions of time and resources.” 

Wider regional activities taking place during Seaweek include education days with Whanganui schools at Mowhanau Beach and a beach clean-up at South Beach in Whanganui on Saturday 4 March. For more information about Seaweek see www.seaweek.org.nz