Gold Crate campaign 2004

The campaign was launched on 28 January 2004 with 2400 Gold Crates to be given away during February, March and April 2004 to good recyclers in Christchurch City and Waimakariri District.

It was designed to recognise and thank those recyclers who regularly put out the right, clean material for collection. The public was asked to nominate great recyclers worthy of a gold crate. Each week winners were selected from the list of households nominated and a gold crate delivered to them.

More than 2400 nominations were received. Nominations for gold crates closed in April 2004.

First Gold Crate Winners

Mr Malcolm Couper of Ilam (right) with Richard Lloyd and granddaughter Frances Couper, aged two.

Distribution of the gold crates started in February. Richard Lloyd, Chair of the Real Recycling promotion team presented the first recipients with their gold crates:

Mr Couper's nomination was from his son Andrew:

“Ten years ago he (Mr Couper) wouldn't have even sniffed at the idea of recycling but has now dedicated half an hour of every night before a rubbish day assiduously ordering, and neatly packaging his and my mother's recyclables much to the family's amusement.

Also a source of great conflict at home as he seeks out the newspapers and Listeners that Mum hoards and hides under cushions for consumption at a later date. Dad puts himself on the line and is prepared to put recycling first! 

Like myself he will also clean up the smaller, less "well-presented" items that fall by the wayside around the end of their drive.  He has even bought a paper shredder so he can add to Mum's compost bins.”

The Mees' nomination was from their cat PJ:

P.J. Cat's nomination
I would like to nominate
My two staff
Who recycle food tins
On my behalf

Mr Colin Mee of Sumner pictured (right) with Richard Lloyd. PJ Cat (insert).

It's not that I'm lazy
Far from that
There are just limitations
To the ability of a cat

Oh I assist
Don't get me wrong
I lick them clean
To deter that meaty pong

But washing and delabeling
I leave to my staff
And putting them in the bin
Is done on my behalf

Other goodies they recycle
I can clearly attest
But it is cat food tins
Which I know best

Now I am very sure
That you too will agree
They deserve a golden crate
Nominated by yours faithfully

P.S. I also recycle rats, mice but not native birds.

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