Beautification Trust has lengthy mahi recognised

The Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust (Beautification Trust) has been acknowledged for 23 years of service to Tāmaki Makaurau as it moves away from operating as a controlled-organisation of Auckland Council.

Auckland Council’s CCO Direction and Oversight Committee chair Shane Henderson today recognised the trust for its service to South and East Auckland since 2001.

Auckland Council's CCO Direction and Oversight Committtee chair Cr Shane Henderson with Beautification Trust chair Audrey Williams and chief executive Daniel Barthow and a certificate recognising 23 years of service.

“Beautification Trust creates jobs, reduces waste and educates young people – how good is that! They’re a social enterprise that reinvests what it makes from contracts for service into community pride and education programmes.

“They’re doing amazing, positive mahi for Auckland and I’m sure we’ll continue to be impressed by how they grow and evolve,” says Cr Henderson.

Beautification Trust chief executive Daniel Barthow talked about the trust’s proactive plans for the future, building on a track record of empowering mahi in the community.

“We’ve been preparing to step away from the council group (as a CCO) for a while, to help us reduce our administrative costs and operate more efficiently.

“Our partnership with Manukau City Council and then Auckland Council has been positive and supportive, and we’re in a good position to move forward on our own.

“Our trust has great momentum and presence in South Auckland, including our annual Eye on Nature Wearable Arts fashion show, taking place this week – which embodies our active focus on environmental education,” adds Mr Barthow.

The Beautification Trust’s work includes graffiti removal, proactively removing over 40 tags for every job called in from the council, education programmes for local schools, a community recycling centre with an on-site op-shop and pātaka kai, a community tool library, repair cafés, pest trapping and conservation, and the Boomer Shed, whose members are currently building dozens of trikes using recycled wheels for kindergartens throughout South Auckland.

Beautification Trust chair Audrey Williams reflected positively on the relationship with Auckland Council.

“Although we are moving away from being a council-controlled organisation, we are still looking forward to working closely with the council on future projects,” says Ms Williams.

The Beautification Trust was established as a CCO in 2001 by Manukau City Council to promote and support beautification in Manukau City for the benefit of the local community and the public. The trust has received contract funding for graffiti removal services and other beautification projects.

More information on the Beautification Trust and its events can be found here:beautification.org.nz/