|
Politics aside, Blames aside, Everything aside... the Bay of Plenty and the Rena oil spill disaster, is in the hands of some very special people doing an amazing job.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/lightbox/environment/rena-crisis/5795091 - A few heroes, thanks to stuff.co.nz
This past weekend a couple of the Sitka crew ventured down to assist the Sustainable Coastlines crew with the cleanup of the oil spill that has resulted from the large container vessel “Rena” running aground Astrolabe Reef in Tauranga, near some of our most well loved surfing/fishing/diving/beach spots. The charity organisation lead by Sam Judd, Camden Howitt and Ryley Webster have been appointed the task of volunteer management for the beach cleanup process as a huge number of people put their hands up to roll up their sleeves and muck in to help.
Based at the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club, we were one of a handful of cleanup stations along the coast where volunteers could arrive at a meeting point, get geared up with some hardware and information, and then really get involved and put some leg work in to cleaning up the coast of the Marmite like substance.
Around our station, the beach is covered in droplets and blobs of thick black oil ranging in size from 2mm diameter balls to flattened golf balls. And how do you clean that up? Get down on your hands and knees, and start filtering through it with your fingers. We’ve all run our fingers through the sand before, sitting on our favourite beach in the sunshine, but now you’re finding some disturbing blobs, and it smells as though you’re sitting in an empty petrol tank.
Everyone got involved. As far as the eye could see, white suits covered the beach in groups of around ten, all sifting through the once pristine sand for these little globs of goo, and then getting these globes in to our thick cleanup sacks.
In an eery way, the beach bustling with people also had a relatively lifeless feel to it. There were no seagulls, no birds, no dolphins, no birds working above the fish out at sea. Anywhere. When nature knows to stay away, you know you’ve got a relatively serious issue on your hands.
Back at the station, those that could help out in any way shape or form did. There were BBQs going, baking arriving, juices, soups, fruit, water... you name it, the entire community were helping each other out. Messages of support poured in, and the positivity running through the area was amazing.
What we experienced in the 2 days of helping volunteers get together and help out was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences. It seemed the entire community wanted to get involved to help out no matter what. There was no prejudice, no moaning, no finger pointing, it was a complete level playing field.... for the community, for the coast. It was lovely... and we’re all doing an awesome job.
MASSIVE thanks and support goes to those who helped (and are still doing so), especially the Sustainable Coastlines Crew for their leadership, inspiration and management. The Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club for opening their doors to the community and helping manage the event. The New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces providing logistical operations and man power, and the specialist cleanup crew - sorry about the AB’s vs. Aussie game last night, but good on you guys for sticking around! And of course all of the volunteers, the kids, the grandparents, the local iwi, and the Robinsons for helping out with accommodation.
We’ll get there. Together.
|
Share
Comments