1 Jun 2025 Melissa’s litter-picking efforts began in the United States back in 2018, where she focused on keeping her local neighbourhood free of rubbish. She documented her finds on social media to raise awareness (@CleanWhereYouWalk). What started as a personal initiative quickly became a long-term habit, driven by a deep care for the environment, a belief in leading by example, and a commitment to highlighting the scale of the problem. Upon moving to Aotearoa New Zealand five years ago, she brought the habit with her, shifting her primary focus from urban streets to the coastline. Drawn to the visible and far-reaching impact of litter on marine environments, she began cleaning beaches on a weekly basis, recognising that each piece of rubbish removed helps protect marine life and preserve the natural beauty that makes this country so special. Her dedication culminated in a remarkable milestone last year; cleaning around the entire Wellington City coastline. IG: @CleanWhereYouWalk Thank you Melissa for all the work you do to Keep New Zealand Beautiful Share this page
