This week, the resilience of the Great Barrier Island community shone through as a large number of locals and visitors joined forces to support Anamata Recycling following a devastating fire.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, December 17th, while the facility was closed, caused significant damage to Anamata’s main shed, a critical hub for the island’s recycling efforts.
Undeterred, a strong turnout of volunteers gathered on Tuesday, December 23rd, just before Christmas, to assist with the cleanup. This display of community spirit highlighted the vital role Anamata plays in managing the island’s recyclables, significantly reducing the environmental impact and the need to ship waste back to Auckland.
According to Brett, Anamata’s director, the fire is believed to have originated in bins located near the electrical room, quickly spreading throughout the facility. The Aotea Fire Team responded promptly, successfully containing the blaze without any injuries.
While the site will require substantial repairs and remain closed until the new year, kerbside collection services for residents will continue uninterrupted.
