Keeping the 'sparkling waters' clean

The Waitemata Harbour, meaning 'sparkling waters' is located in the North Island of New Zealand and is the focal point of the Auckland region, which has a population of 1.3 million.

The Waitemata Harbour, with its many beaches and tidal rivers, opens into the Hauraki Gulf which is dotted with islands formed by volcanic activity.

Every year millions of New Zealanders and overseas visitors enjoy the sparkling waters and fantastic shorelines of the Waitemata Harbour. The harbour is used for recreation, shipping, fishing and tourism and hosted the America's Cup yacht races in 1999 and 2003.

The formation of a trust to deal with litter entering the Waitemata Harbour was the brainchild of two boating enthusiasts - Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey and Mr Hayden Smith.

They observed increasing amounts of litter making its way to the sea via roadways and storm water channels, often clogging up streams and estuaries along the way.

With the support of councils such as North Shore City and corporate sponsorship, funding was obtained to commission a company to carry out litter removal in the inner gulf and raise awareness about litter issues.

The Ports of Auckland donated a 6.5 metre boat, the Phil Warren, for litter retrieval and removal.

The boat was named in recognition of the environmental initiatives led by the late Phil Warren while he was chairperson of the Auckland Regional Council.