In 2018 we continue our engagement with the fine folk from Auranga with an epic clean-up of the Ngakoroa Stream on Sunday 6 May. This is the third time we have come together with Auranga to look after the Ngakoroa Stream. Starting with a clean-up in March 2017, followed by planting 2,000 native trees last September, we have kicked 2018 off with a massive 280-volunteer clean-up, removing 5,000 litres of litter from the stream’s banks.

In the lead-up to the event, Sustainable Coastlines engaged with local schools, presenting to students at Drury Primary School and Kings College’s Greenbank House. Over 540 people were educated on the causes, impacts and solutions to litter in the marine environment during this period.

On a grey and drizzly Sunday morning, it was incredibly humbling to see so many people come together to clean-up this special spot. The day was opened with a karakia from local kaumatua, David Takaanini of Te Akatai Waiohua, followed by word from Sustainable Coastlines’ Fletcher Sunde and Auranga’s Charles Ma. Following a safety briefing, the 280-strong team of school groups, community groups, businesses and Drury locals got stuck in along the banks of the stream.

Collectively we worked for around an hour and half and collected over 5 cubic meters of rubbish, ensuring that this litter did not flow down through to the Drury Creek, into the Pahurehure Inlet and eventually end up in out Manukau Harbour and Tasman Sea.

Fletcher Sunde took the lead on this for Sustainable Coastlines with staff Shelley Butt, Amy Klitscher, Sam Judd and intern Agathe Divol in supporting roles.

Special thanks to Auranga and their team: Rachel Calendar, Kitty Rothschild, Andrew Ward, Elizabeth Ma and Charles Ma for coming down to take part. Special mentions also to David Takaanini and Nigel Denny of Te Akitai Waiohua; Daniel Rattray of Kings College for bringing his 120 lads down; Rebecca Bamfield for leading the Papakura Pippins, Brownies and Girl Guides; Mike Baker, skipper for the Sea Cleaners and his crew of volunteers. Helen Edmonds and Phoenix drinks supplied us with refreshment which was very well received by all and Kwik-N-Ezy kept the rain off us throughout the event. Lastly, all photos credit to Romain Sacchettini who himself came out covered in delightful mud! A selection of photos available to view and download on this page.

Thanks again to everyone who took part. Sign-up to our mailing list through the link on our homepage for an invitation to our tree planting later in the year!

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Early last year, we held our first coastal clean-up on the banks of the Ngakoroa Stream to launch our relationship with Auranga – a new community-minded neighbourhood springing up in Drury West. The event was a huge success with 50 keen cleaners removing over 4,000 litres of rubbish, stopping it from flowing into the Manukau Harbour. This year, we’re continuing our work with Auranga and invite you to be a part of the next exciting clean-up.

Join us at 10am on Sunday, 6 May at 121 Bremner Rd, Drury for fun, food and refreshments while doing your bit to protect our marine environment.

In keeping with Auranga’s vision, this is a family-friendly event open to everyone so you’re welcome to bring as many people as you like. Keep in mind, the terrain around the stream is a little bit gnarly, so be prepared to get stuck in!

All attendees must register – please complete the form at the bottom of this page so we order enough food!

Auranga is a place that has been designed with community at its heart. But building a new community on a greenfields site comes with a responsibility to the natural environment. This is why the partnership between Sustainable Coastlines and Auranga is so important. Auranga is serious about contributing to improved waterways and is planting tens of thousands of native plants in rain gardens, wetlands and along stream banks and the estuary. These natural features, along with large and cleverly designed parks, reserves, esplanades, walkways and cycle-paths all contribute to healthier environment which will make Auranga a great place to live.