On 27 August 2026, Apii Mauke carried out its Term 3, Week 3 Beach Rubbish Clean-Up Activity as part of the school’s Coastal Guardians – Te Ara o Te Onu e Te Tavake Project. The activity was conducted at Anaraura, focusing on the Collection Area Beach at the Beach Retreat, covering an area of approximately 80 metres by 50 metres.
Students from Year 1 through to Year 11 participated in the clean-up, working together to remove rubbish and waste materials found along the beach and surrounding coastal area. Mauke Environment Officer, Raita Moetaua was invited to join and support the activity, actively participating in the collection of waste alongside the students. Students also sorted and separated the rubbish and recorded data on the different types and quantities of waste collected.
A total of 1,125 items of rubbish were collected, with a combined weight of 18.0 kg. A significant portion of the rubbish consisted of microplastics and other small plastic fragments, along with plastic bottles and bottle caps. Some bottles and bottle caps collected had labels or markings indicating connections to countries and territories including Japan, China, Tahiti, and Peru. These findings highlight how marine debris can travel across oceans and reach the shores of small island communities such as Mauke.
The activity provided students with a valuable hands-on learning experience, helping them understand the impacts of marine debris and plastic pollution on the coastal environment. Through the waste audit and data collection process, students were able to identify common types of rubbish found along the coastline while contributing useful information for future environmental monitoring.
The results highlight the importance of regular beach clean-ups, waste audits and plastic reduction initiatives. Students participated actively and worked together throughout the activity, while also recognising the shared responsibility of the school and community to protect and maintain Mauke’s coastal environment.
Apii Mauke students and teachers sorting and weighing waste collected during the Rubbish Clean-Up Activity
