Painting the Town Red to Protect Local Waterways.

communityaction
Motueka, New Zealand, 05 Mar 22

Environmental advocates from Motueka community group communityaction are taking to the streets to mark World Water Day, and the beginning of ” Water for Life”.

Internationally, ‘Water for Life’ is about securing access to safe water for impoverished peoples. In Motueka, we’re trying to protect the treasures we already have.”

Motueka business people and shoppers will greeted by a number of red fish, which will be painted near stormwater grates in Motueka's main streets overnight. During the day, communityaction volunteers will hand out free portable ashtrays to smokers, to cut down on cigarette butt litter, a common form of stormwater borne pollution.

“Stormwater drains go out to sea and rivers, so any rubbish that gets thrown in the street, or pollutants that get poured down outside drains, will end up in waterways. We’re raising awareness of this fact, so that locals and travellers will be more mindful of this in future,” said Duncan Eddy of, communityaction.

“Pollution of our waters creates repercussions throughout the entire food chain, and could deprive future generations of the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful waterways we often take for granted,” said Mr Eddy.

Contact: communityaction aotearoa <duncan@communityaction.enzyme.org.nz>