# Protecting Māui Dolphins: The 5th Annual Hirepool Big Clean Takes Action in Manukau Harbour

On 8 March volunteers will gather at Onehunga Foreshore for the 5th annual Hirepool Big Clean, coming together to clean up the Manukau Harbour and help protect the Māui dolphin.

- **Published:** 27 February 2025
- **Type:** News

On Saturday, 8 March 2025, volunteers will gather at Onehunga Foreshore for the 5th annual Hirepool Big Clean, coming together to clean up the Manukau Harbour and help protect one of New Zealand’s most endangered species—the Māui dolphin.

In partnership with Sustainable Coastlines, Hirepool is calling on its community to take action against plastic pollution and marine debris, which pose serious threats to the Māui dolphin’s habitat. This event will take place during Seaweek 2025 and is a chance to make a real impact while celebrating and protecting New Zealand’s marine environment.

## A Critical Cleanup for a National Treasure

With only around 53 Māui dolphins over the age of one remaining, these rare marine mammals have a ‘nationally critical’ conservation status—just one step away from extinction. Once found along much of the North Island’s west coast, their population is now concentrated around Manukau Harbour and Port Waikato, areas that overlap with human activity.

Māui dolphins face many serious threats, including:

- Plastic ingestion and entanglement in marine litter
- Fishing-related entanglement, particularly in set nets and trawling
- Pollution, including chemical runoff and debris
- Boat strikes and injuries from propellers

Plastic waste is a major issue in Manukau Harbour, where Sustainable Coastlines’ Litter Intelligence programme has recorded higher-than-average litter density. The latest data shows that 525 litter items are found per 1,000m² in the area—higher than Auckland’s overall average of 422 and well above the national average of 305.

One survey at Onehunga Wharf revealed that a staggering 92% of collected litter was plastic, with 6,416 plastic pieces per 1,000m². While further surveys are needed to build a long-term picture, it’s clear that plastic pollution is a major issue in this area.

By taking part in the Hirepool Big Clean, volunteers will help remove harmful debris before it can make its way into the Māui dolphin’s environment.

## A Great Day Out for a Good Cause

The event isn’t just about the cleanup—it’s also a fun and family-friendly day. Volunteers can look forward to:

- Free beach games
- Cold drinks
- A classic sausage sizzle
- The satisfaction of making a real difference

All cleanup equipment will be provided, and a health and safety briefing will ensure a smooth and productive day for everyone involved.

## Get Involved

This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the environment and help protect a truly unique New Zealand species. Whether you’re coming along as an individual, a family, or with a workplace team, every pair of hands makes a difference.

- Location: Taumanu Reserve, Onehunga Foreshore
- Date: Saturday, 8 March 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sign up at [sustainablecoastlines.org/events](https://sustainablecoastlines.org/event/hirepool-big-clean-onehunga-foreshore-auckland/)

For event updates, follow the [Facebook event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/1136384658142418?active_tab=about).

Come along and be part of the solution—together, we can keep New Zealand’s coastlines clean and thriving for generations to come.

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/news-events/hirepool-big-clean-onehunga-foreshore