Fiji Marlborough community shows love for Wither Hills
Members of the Marlborough Fijian Community from left Mr Savenaca Tukitukinabuka, Tuberi Korosaya, Mana Matebau, Semisi Nasulunibawa and Vili Vaka.
A group of around 20 volunteers from the Fiji Marlborough Community Charitable Trust have rolled up their sleeves this winter to carry out a clean-up at the Wither Hills Mountain Bike Park, and they're already planning their next one.
The group tackled some of the more difficult-to-access areas of the park, reaching spots that are often missed, leaving the popular recreational space looking considerably tidier.
Council Parks and Open Spaces Officer Kiri Whiteman said it had been an enjoyable morning, and staff were grateful for the effort and enthusiasm brought by the volunteers.
Marlborough Pacific Trust Tupu Aotearoa Coordinator, Vilisoni Vaka, helped organise the event, and said the motivation was simple.
"Many of us have called Marlborough home for many years, and this region has welcomed and supported us in so many ways. Volunteering our time to help care for our shared public spaces is one small way of showing our appreciation. We love this region and are always happy to contribute wherever we can,” he said.
“Many of our community members and families enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's walking, exercising, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery that Marlborough has to offer. The Wither Hills is a place that many people value, so it was meaningful for us to help look after it.”
It was the group's first organised community clean-up, but it won't be their last, with a second cleanup already in the pipeline for August, at a venue to be confirmed.
