Trailers, tyres and teamwork will help us reach rubbish off the beaten track
We'd love for you to join us at a riverside clean-up event along the northern banks of the Waimakariri River. You can make a real difference in a special part of Waitaha Canterbury's natural landscape.
Event details
- Date: Sunday 10 August
- Time: 10am to approximately 12:30pm, followed by a free BBQ
- Meeting point: The intersection between Harrs Road and Diversion Road
- Register:To help with catering and coordination, please register for this event.
The event will be held just upstream of the Eyre River ford on Harrs Road, near the intersection with Diversion Road — an area that sadly sees some of the highest levels of illegal dumping along the awa/river.
We will be cleaning up the area marked with the flag
A problem worth tackling together
The Waimakariri River is a unique taonga (treasure) in our region, home to braided river ecosystems and a variety of birdlife, including some of the world’s most endangered braided river bird species. Some areas, particularly those off the beaten track, have become hotspots for fly tipping — everything from household rubbish to burnt-out cars.
“We’re inviting the community to come together, roll up their sleeves, and help us give this part of the river some much-needed attention,” said event organiser, regional parks events and information coordinator Gill Walsh.
“It’s a chance to connect with others who care about our environment and to make a visible, positive impact.”
Importantly, the clean-up has been scheduled ahead of the river bird nesting season, which begins on 1 September. This ensures minimal disturbance to the native species that rely on these braided river habitats to nest and thrive.
Volunteers welcome on foot or with 4WDs
We're calling on a wide range of volunteers, including keen 4WDers with trailers who can access harder-to-reach berm areas, and those who would prefer to clean up on foot. Pedestrian-friendly zones have been set aside either side of the Eyre River diversion mouth, making it easy for everyone to get involved, regardless of mobility or vehicle access.
“This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, community groups, 4WD drivers and clubs to show support, be environmental stewards and help keep our rivers beautiful,” Gill said.
We encourage everyone helping out to meet our biosecurity procedures, ensuring all gear (such as boots, gloves and trousers) and vehicles (including 4WDs and trailers) arrive clean and free of mud, dirt, seed and plant material so we can keep this special area safe.
Remember, if you find rubbish in the regional parks or see someone fly tipping, report it via the Snap Send Solve app, phone us on 0800 765 588, or contact the park rangers directly by emailing duty.ranger@ecan.govt.nz.