Goodbye Godwits Event- 1 March 2014

The Mangere Bridge WasteWise group is using any and all opportunities to raise awareness about waste. At the Goodbye Godwits event at Ambury farm held on 1 March 2014 the team was housed under our new gazebo, courtesy of our grant from Auckland Council, and using new sandwich boards custom made for us by woodwork students at Lynfield College.  We recycled educational resources from previous events, including our timeline of waste items showing the length of time taken for different types of rubbish to decompose in landfill. 

Using information and resources from the organisation Sustainable Coastlines (www.sustainablecoastlines.org.nz), our WasteWise group was able to make the connection for people between the random dumping of waste and the clogging up of our harbour, with its potentially devastating effects on birdlife and sealife.  

The event attracted around 200 people across a wide age range.  Some were locals and others travelled from other parts of Auckland for the morning.  The WasteWise educators had lots of opportunities to talk to people about the issues around waste in our community and to inspire them to take care of our local area, for the benefit of people as well as wildlife.

The evaluation forms filled in by participants on leaving the event showed that many were concerned about the amount of waste lying around our harbour.  Some stated that they intend to pick up rubbish around the area on a regular basis and others asked to be part of group clean-ups, such as the annual Spring Clean around Ambury Farm and the foreshore.

It was also good to see the farm rangers recycling materials from previous events when setting up for the event. Our group has developed a strong relationship with the rangers and we’re inspired by their role-modelling, enthusiasm and commitment.

Our presence at this event has given our WasteWise group the opportunity to connect with the Manukau Harbour Restoration Society (www.mhrs.org.nz) and the annual Seaweek celebrations, which we believe will be an important link for us in our work to educate people on waste issues in our community.