The National Environment Service (NES) acknowledges the efforts of students and teachers from Thames South School in New Zealand, who took time during their recent visit to Rarotonga to carry out clean-up activities across the island.
On Friday, 28 August, the students, alongside their principal, staff and NES, took part in a clean-up at the Nikao Social Centre, collecting 28.2 kg of waste.
This included 1.6 kg of plastics, 3.6 kg of cans, 8 kg of glass, 10 kg of general rubbish and 5 kg of bulky waste.
Earlier in the week, Thames South had already collected a further 11.5 kg of waste from around the island, bringing their total collection during their visit to 39.7 kg.
It was great to see the students taking time out of their visit to contribute to keeping Rarotonga clean and reducing the amount of waste entering our environment, waterways and lagoon.
NES thanks the students and staff of Thames South School for their enthusiasm and contribution during their time in the Cook Islands.
Their efforts come as preparations get underway for World Cleanup Day. In the Cook Islands, NES will mark World Cleanup Day on 25 September 2026, encouraging schools, government agencies, businesses, community groups and families to take part in clean-up activities across the country.
More information on World Cleanup Day activities will be shared soon.
