Otahuhu kids show they're tidy Kiwis

Setting an example: Children attending Otahuhu Town Hall after school have been cleaning up and beautifying John McAnulty Reserve. Photo: Manukau Courier

From City Scene, published on 7 June, 2009.

Children attending Otahuhu Town Hall after school have been praised for their efforts in cleaning up and beautifying John McAnulty Reserve.

Last week Councillor Paul Goldsmith, chairperson of the Community Services Committee, presented the children with awards to thank them for their hard work.

"They've done a fantastic job, and set an excellent example for children right across Auckland city," says Mr Goldsmith.

Auckland City Council has been supporting the afterschool programme for more than 12 years.

This winter the group will start working through the Auckland City Council anti-graffiti vandal education programme package, joining 84 other Auckland schools who already have the programme.

The two-week course encourages children to be proud of their communities, and that the difference between art and vandalism is permission. It also increases their awareness of the consequences of graffiti vandalism.

"These kids see the mess that graffiti vandalism creates, and we hope that having cleaned it up they'll never want to pick up the spray can themselves. They want to help, they want their parks and streets to look tidy and it's great they've got an opportunity to get involved," says Mr Goldsmith.