Meet Harry — the 12-year-old cleaning up his local rivers
With the Waimakariri River in North Canterbury on his doorstep, 12-year-old Harry sees first-hand the effects rubbish dumping can have on local rivers and wildlife.
Harry often spends his free time at the river, whether he's exploring with his little brothers, swimming, biking or motorbiking along it, he often makes the effort to bring a sack to pick up any rubbish he may see on his travels. But recently he has started to notice more rubbish.
“I’m seeing things like washing machines, fishing rods and even mattresses, stuff I never used to see. I thought I can’t pick this up all on my own, I should organise a day to get everyone to help clean up the river” Harry says.
With support from his mum Alice, Harry has organised a community river clean-up this Sunday, inviting friends, neighbours and families to get involved.
A young local taking action
For Harry, it’s not just about tidying up. It’s about looking after a place that means a lot to him, and making sure others can enjoy it too.
Harry says he cares about the rivers because of how special they are here in Aotearoa, especially for native wildlife, his favourite bird to spot along the river is the Wrybill.
“We’re really lucky to have these places and have wildlife call our rivers home, so we need to look after them,” he says. “I also want to keep them clean so future generations can enjoy them too.”
He’s even getting his school involved. With the school’s house groups named after local rivers — Waimakariri, Rakahuri (Ashley), Okuku and Makerikeri — students are being encouraged to head out and lend a hand along their river.
Community river clean-up this Sunday
The clean-up is open to everyone, and is a great way for locals to get involved in looking after their environment.
It’s not about being an expert or having all the right gear. It’s about showing up, doing what you can, and being part of something positive.
And as Harry puts it, there’s something pretty satisfying about seeing the difference you can make in just a few hours.
Harry would like to thank the following business and organisations who are supporting his initiative: Foothills Honey, PAK’nSAVE, Tip Top, Mill Orchard, Luisetti Seeds, Eco Educate, Environment Canterbury, Waimakariri Council, ecostore, Mitre 10 Mega, Coffee Worx, and Canterbury Rugby.
River Clean up info
What: Help clean up our local rivers including the Waimakariri, Rakahuri, Okuku and Makerikeri and be in to win spot prizes.
Where: Loburn School Te Kura Aromauka
Head to the school to collect free sacks thanks to Luisetti Seeds, spend time collecting rubbish along the rivers, and drop it back to the free skip at the school. There will be a free BBQ and Tip Top ice creams for the kids.
When:
- 8am to 3pm – Collect sacks (if needed) and drop off rubbish
- 11am to 3pm – Free BBQ, ice creams and spot prizes
If you have a trailer, please bring it along.
Learn more about the River Clean Up Day on Facebook