Longstanding Ōpōtiki social services provider Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust is inviting whānau and local community members to come together for a Beach Clean-up Day at Hukuwai Beach on Saturday.

Community Action Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) co-ordinator Rewiti Biddle is organising the day as part of a wider initiative to build connection, purpose and pride for land and people.

The theme for the day is Tiaki te Taiao (Protect our Coast) which is in line with the CAYAD-stated goal of working together for a better future.

Mr Biddle, who is originally from Ōpōtiki, began his role with CAYAD earlier this year having previously represented New Zealand in the Rugby 7’s competition as well as playing for Atlanta in the American Major League Rugby, where he came up against All Black great Ma’a Nonu.

He was also awarded Spark Male Club Player of the Year by Bay of Plenty Rugby while playing for Te Puna Rugby Club in 2019.

“This is the first event like this we have had for CAYAD; I am quite new to the role so wanted to do something for the community where people can come together, strengthen relationships and build community pride,” Mr Biddle said.

“We also plan to have some fun while doing it with games and a prize put up by the trust for the most rubbish collected.

“Bridge Street Café has chipped in some vouchers for spot prizes to help support the clean-up.

“So, come along and have some fun and help us care for the taiao.”

The Clean-up starts at 10am by the car park at Hukuwai Beach and will run until 2pm.