Dear Editor, I am writing this letter with the hope that this letter reaches those who need to know. I am a very proud Tupapa Maraerenga resident who has lived in this village for most of my 62 years. My family has been a part of this village for over 70 years.

I have seen the Tupapa Maraerenga Sports Field (Both Netball and Rugby fields) develop over the years. Well-kept and managed by a group of unpaid loyal Panthers (The Tupapa Sports Executive Committee). It has become one of the most used sports fields on the island.

Most recently, I have noticed the sports ground looking more and more like a garbage dumping ground.

Water bottles left on the field after training, Rubbish bags tied to a pole that was left there after a weekend game and the dogs have ripped apart, takeaway wrappers, cans, plastic bottles, rubbish bags with soiled nappies, baby can food, socks and undies that some rugby player left behind and the list goes on.  I ended up taking those ripped rubbish bags back to my home so I can put it out on rubbish collection day.

Various sports codes, Islands groups (during Cook Islands games), schools and various exercise/activity groups have enjoyed the use of our sports grounds in the mornings and afternoons. I too enjoy taking my dogs for a walk every morning around the field.

The sad thing is there are some people and codes who abuse the privilege they have been given to use the field. They turn a blind eye to the garbage that gets bigger by the day. Rather than take their rubbish home with them, they leave it on the field or the spectator area.

But the sadder thing is our sports ground was given to us by the generosity of the landowners to use and enjoy. But we abuse this generosity.

So, I urge those who use the field, to please – At the end of your sports activity, week or weekly training or game, to please pick up your rubbish and take it home. To the spectators, take your rubbish home with you. To the neighbouring homes, buy yourself a rubbish bin so the dogs are not bringing your rubbish on the field. And to those who think the Tupapa sports ground is a takeaway outlet, take your rubbish home with you when you finish eating.

Seriously people, who do you think is going to collect your rubbish for you? My nephew, the Club Captain, and his team, the Executive committee?

Come on everyone, do your part to keep our sports field looking like a sports field. Do your part to minimise the amount of rubbish in the water way, field and spectator area. You got it for free.

Don’t worry, I pick up my dogs’ poop when they do poop while walking.

Regards

Celine Tommy

(A proud Panther and Tupapa Maraerenga resident)