A Boat Full of Truth: Avon-Ōtākaro Network Takes River Rubbish to Council

 

 

In a bold and unforgettable move, Hayley Guglietta and members of the Avon-Ōtākaro Network (AvON) brought a boatload of river rubbish straight into Christchurch City Council chambers during their 2024 Long-Term Plan deputation.

The striking visual wasn’t just a stunt—it was a powerful message.

For years, AvON has led grassroots efforts to restore the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, turning a red-zoned disaster zone into a living example of ecological regeneration, community engagement, and climate resilience. The team regularly pulls tires, plastics, scooters, shopping trolleys—even mattresses, from the river, all removed by dedicated volunteers committed to protecting the lifeblood of the city.

Hayley, speaking on behalf of the network, urged the Council to continue its investment and support in the restoration of the river and the communities surrounding it. She reminded councillors that this isn’t just about cleaning up a waterway, it’s about enabling community leadership, improving biodiversity, boosting mental health, and building climate resilience at a local level.

The boat full of rubbish symbolised both the scale of the problem and the power of collective action.

AvONs message was clear: Christchurch needs to treat the river as a living system and a taonga (treasure), not a dumping ground. With continued council partnership, the people of Ōtautahi can create a thriving green spine running through the heart of the city.