ENVIRONMENTAL charity Sustainable Coastlines is organising a grand-scale beach clean-up here in the new year, with the aim to mobilise thousands of people on the East Coast.

With huge numbers of visitors in Gisborne for Rhythm & Vines and BW Camping Festival, organisers see it as an ideal time to involve as many people as possible, to rid the rubbish on coastlines in this region.

Sustainable Coastlines co-founder Sam Judd has moved to Gisborne so he can work full-time on organising the January 2 clean-up.

He is working with organisations like the Department of Conservation to identify areas particularly in need of a spruce-up.

The New Zealand charity has carried out major clean-up operations around the world, including the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador and, most recently, Tonga.

“We would like to effect as much of the coastline as possible,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the people here who love the beach to give something back. It couldn’t be simpler and anyone can take part, whether you’re four years old or 80 years,” Mr Judd said.

“It’s a great feeling when you see there’s such a wide range of people from the community all working together for one common ground that affects everyone.”

They hope to get support from local businesses and sponsors to offer spot prizes and incentives for those who sign up to take part.

“Even if visitors want to go to Mahia for the day, check it out and take part, if they come back with a big bag of rubbish we might be able to sort them out with petrol vouchers.”

The idea behind their operations was to make it fun by getting loads of people involved.

Mr Judd said at the end of the day they would put on a party at the sound shell, with live music for all those who took part.

“We chose to do it here because it’s a really special piece of coastline in New Zealand.

“We generally focus on areas that are quite special. It’s a place that should be looked after,” he said.

“And for all the people who have partied hard in the days before, they probably feel like they would like to give something back.”

For more information about the project check out their website:

www.sustainablecoastlines.org