nine: clean up that beach

Who are you and what do you do in your day-to-day job?

I'm Colin Thomson and I'm responsible for the MAS KiwiSaver Plan and MAS Retirement Savings Plan.

How did you use your 'Here for Good' day?

I joined the Petone Beach Clean Up Crew

Why did you choose them?

This is my local beach and an icon of the Hutt Valley. It risks being blighted by rubbish and weeds if locals don't act. I love to be out in nature so it was an easy decision to volunteer to join a working bee when the word went out for help.

What did you do?

The focus of the morning was weeds rather than rubbish. The group is helping the council reclaim the sand dunes with native plants, so we grabbed shovels and forks to remove the worst of the invasive weeds such as fleabane and wild parsnip.

What did you enjoy most?

I enjoyed talking to the other volunteers about why they were there. They were all retired and what became apparent was that they not only felt strongly about the job we were doing, but they also valued the social interaction and physical exercise. I got a new insight into how important it is for people's mental and physical wellbeing that they remain active and involved once they cease full-time work.

What did you learn from the experience?

I learned just how many people are involved in volunteer work and how relatively invisible it is. We should celebrate volunteers more.

How can I help?

The group holds fortnightly clean ups and occasional big efforts. You can find out more on their Facebook page.