A fulltime marine cleanup operation has officially launched in Tauranga.

Although the team has been actively operating in Tauranga Moana since December 2024, removing marine litter and engaging with local communities, the event at the Tauranga Bridge Marina Beach Reserve signals the formal beginning of Sea Cleaners’ long-term commitment to the Bay of Plenty.

An event was held on Monday, in collaboration with the mayor, local kaumatua, sponsors, and volunteers, with Sea Cleaners founder Hayden Smith, to mark the office launch of the fulltime programme.

“We’ve seen the need here and we’ve responded,” said Smith.

“Since arriving in December, our crew has already removed thousands of litres of rubbish from the region’s harbours, estuaries, and beaches. But this is just the beginning. Our goal is to embed ourselves here and become a daily presence on the water.”

The Bay of Plenty operation becomes part of Sea Cleaners’ growing national network, which has now removed nearly 20 million litres of rubbish from New Zealand waters since its founding in 2002.

With a focus on daily on-water cleanups, educational outreach, and community empowerment, Sea Cleaners continues to lead the charge against marine plastic pollution.

“We’re not just cleaning up, we’re educating the next generation, partnering with iwi, businesses, and local authorities, and showing what’s possible when people work together for the ocean,” Smith added.

Operating from Tauranga Marina, the BoP crew will continue focusing on high-impact zones while expanding partnerships with local schools and volunteer groups.