Sysmex staff and their families joined a volunteer day on Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf on Sunday 2nd March, helping out with weeding and a beach clean-up. Some members of the group helped to tackle “mothweed” as part of the Home Bay weed control programme, while younger members of the group took part in a “beach day”, clearing rubbish from the beach and going on a bush walk to spot birds and plants.

The volunteer days are organised by the Motutapu Restoration Trust, which aims to restore the landscape of Motutapu by replanting native forest and re-introducing native species, as well as protecting and conserving important historical and cultural sites on the island. Since the Trust was established in 1994, over 500,000 natives plants and trees have been planted by volunteers, and the island has been declared pest-free. Some native birds such as bellbirds and kakariki have returned naturally to the island, while others, including the brown kiwi, have been re-introduced.

Sysmex Marketing Manager, Deborah Steele, says that the day was a success.

“Not only did staff and families enjoy the chance to get out of the city and visit a beautiful location, but we had the satisfaction of making a tangible contribution to the work of the Island Trust.”

As part of the company’s CSR policy, Sysmex is committed to implementing at least one initiative per year that benefits the environment. The day on Motutapu follows a similar event last year where staff took part in a volunteer day at Motuihe Island.