Offenders on Papakura's Community Work scheme are learning how to care for, and clean, their local streams.
With the help of Papakura District Council Wai Care co-ordinator Laura Torre, offenders serving Community Work sentences are learning how to collect water samples, test water quality and identify the creatures and life forms found in Papakura streams and water ways.
Once the testing is completed offenders muck in and clean the streams and surrounding areas.
Senior Community Work Supervisor Gael Astle says the group is passing on their knowledge to family and friends by discussing what they’ve discovered during the day.
"It's a programme that encourages offenders to make a difference and we're getting great feedback from everyone taking part," says Gael.
"Laura explains to them why it's important to have clean, clear waterways, the damage that rubbish and waste can cause and what can be done to try and put the wrongs right."
As well as seeing the district's waterways cleaned up, the programme also helps participants develop a better understanding of the delicate eco-system by encouraging them to look at the results Laura posts on the Wai Care website.
Offenders are seeing first hand the effect that people's actions have on the land and how it affects streams and native creatures.
"I'm excited to be working with this group and feel we can have a big impact throughout the district. We plan to visit many different streams and have a look at the quality of the water and the habitat while removing rubbish from the streams to make them healthier for stream life and people," says Laura.
Gael considers Graeme Simmonds the ideal Community Work supervisor for the programme because he shares - and acts on - Laura's views and her passion for enhancing the district's waterways.
Graeme's commitment extends to returning shopping trolleys found in streams to local supermarkets. He says he was "astounded" recently to find four trolleys dumped in a single waterway that was also clogged with tyres and rubbish.
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453