Porirua residents are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves for National Clean Up Week, with a harbourside event and free litter kits helping locals take action against rubbish.
National Clean Up Week runs from 19–25 September, and this year Porirua City Council is hosting a Harbour Clean Up at Harbour’s Edge on Monday 22 September, from 9am to 12pm.
Families, community groups, and individuals are all invited to join in. Alongside litter collection, the event will feature a free sausage sizzle, spot prizes, play items for tamariki, and a planting session, timed perfectly with the school holidays.
“We are working hard to revitalise our beautiful harbour and waterways,” said Council City Services Manager David Stone. “Each time litter blows into the water it takes us back yet another step.”
For those unable to attend the event, the Council is offering free Clean Up Kits, available for pick-up from any Porirua library during Clean Up Week. Each kit includes two orange rubbish bags and a pair of gloves. Filled bags can be placed beside any public bin in the city for collection.
A 2022 audit by Keep New Zealand Beautiful found that Porirua had the third highest amount of litter in the Wellington region, at nearly 1kg per 1000 square metres.
“When litter is not disposed of properly, it can collect in our streets, parks, beaches, and waterways, contaminating soil and water,” said Stone.
Residents can find more information and updates on the Harbour Clean Up event on the Council’s Facebook page.