The Department of Conservation’s director-general Lou Sanson was onsite in Fox Glacier to thank volunteers and the New Zealand Defence Force personnel for their work in removing rubbish from the Fox and Cook Rivers and coastline of South Westland on Friday afternoon.
DOC announced on Thursday that because of the excellent response to the call for volunteers, a finish date for the clean-up has been forecast for mid-August.
Lou Sanson says DOC was faced with a formidable job when it took over management of the clean-up in June.
"The task our team had in front of them was massive.
"Because of the nature of the contamination, with bits of plastic strewn throughout the riverbed and bush surrounds, and on the coastline, the only way to clean up the mess was with people – lots of people. In South Westland that is a challenge, with a very small population here.
"The call went out for volunteers and assistance, and the response has been huge, and humbling with people coming from right around New Zealand, and travellers taking time out to help. We now have enough volunteers signed up to complete the operation and have closed registrations.
"We are averaging at least 100 people a day pulling waste out of this beautiful South Westland environment.
"So far we've had 2408 volunteer days worked by more than 700 amazing people along with 729 NZDF days, and 567 DOC staff days- a massive response from a great bunch of people who love the New Zealand environment.
"The difference that this amazing effort has made is incredible and is a testament to the power of people."
