Respect is a core value at Challenge 2000! We try to teach it to others and to live it ourselves.

On Saturday 6 August 2011 we led a clean up effort in Johnsonville that saw over 50 bags of rubbish collected.

The brisk morning couldn’t keep us away or dampen the enthusiasm of those participating. Under bushes, mowed into lawns, clogging gutters and around the railway line – there was no effort spared.

Thanks to all those that joined in and supported the effort including WCC Councillors Justin Lester and Helene Ritchie who were both cleaning machines, NZ Police’s finest Matthew Boyce, and Katrina Shanks MP. Thanks also to WCC Councillor Ngaire Best for helping with planning and preparation and a big shout out to Sid Keelan and all other WCC staff that supported the removal of all that rubbish.

The morning ended with a BBQ put on with the support of local hero Bob Shennan.

50 bags is just a start, there is much more work to be done in keeping our community looking and feeling absolutely positively good. Most importantly we need to build and support people in the community that respect others, respect themselves, and respect this place.

We’d like this to become an annual event so watch this space for more!