{"id":87623,"date":"2025-10-19T05:52:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T05:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/87623\/"},"modified":"2025-10-19T05:52:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T05:52:13","slug":"sunlive-the-never-ending-tide-of-tyres-in-tauranga-harbour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/87623\/","title":{"rendered":"SunLive – The never-ending tide of tyres in Tauranga harbour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sea Cleaners has removed nearly 21 million litres of rubbish from New Zealand\u2019s waterways since 2002 \u2014 and now the national not-for-profit is making waves in Tauranga, where its local crew has already hauled out close to 300,000 litres in just nine months.<\/p>\n

In Tauranga, the mahi is led by skipper Josh and his deckhand, Tayla.<\/p>\n

Armed with their trusty transport and a can-do attitude, they hit the waterways daily to haul debris.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve just got a ute and a boat, and we take off around the region and do our thing,\u201d Josh shared.<\/p>\n

One of the most common and stubborn items they find? Tyres.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s phenomenal how many we find,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Volunteers play a huge role in the clean-ups. \u201cOur lives are just so much easier with volunteers,\u201d Josh explained<\/p>\n

\u201cMore hands mean we can cover more ground. Without them, you\u2019re walking away from piles of rubbish you just don\u2019t have time to get to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two regulars, Sharon and Andrea, are part of a wider network of volunteers who show up to lend a hand.<\/p>\n

\"

\nBehind the scenes with the team \/ Photo Supplied<\/p>\n

Their commitment makes it possible to clear large volumes in a single day, a vital boost for such a physically demanding job, said Josh and Tayla.<\/p>\n

Beyond volunteers, Sea Cleaners also relies on support in different ways.<\/p>\n

\u201cBridge Marina, for example, lets us put our boat in, and other local groups help in lots of small ways.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s just so many contributing factors \u2014 little bits of support that aren\u2019t only sponsors but make a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since launching in the Bay of Plenty just nine months ago, Josh and Tayla have already hauled out close to 300,000 litres of rubbish.<\/p>\n

Alongside this, Sea Cleaners visits schools, teaching tamariki about the impact of rubbish and the difference small actions can make.<\/p>\n

The mahi isn\u2019t glamorous, and often the same beaches need clearing again within weeks.<\/p>\n

\"

\nSea Cleaners inspiring local tamariki toward a cleaner future. Photo \/ Josh Malmo<\/p>\n

But Josh keeps perspective: \u201cI speak for myself and across the country, I\u2019m really proud of our work and where we are at\u201d.<\/p>\n

Want to help protect our moana? Sea Cleaners are on the lookout for more volunteers to join their mission of cleaning up our coastlines and waterways \u2014 no maritime experience required!<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re keen to give time or need support finding helpers, Volunteering Services is here to help.<\/p>\n

Learn more at www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987 0920.<\/p>\n

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