Good Sorts: Hayden Smith 

Source: ONE NewsHayden Smith

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A man who jacked in a job he thought was rubbish for a job that's all about rubbish is the latest ONE News good sort.

Hayden Smith found his vocation, keeping Auckland's beautiful Hauraki Gulf garbage free.
 
It may seem hard to believe but teenagers have been spending a morning picking up rubbish for no other reason than it's a good thing to do.

The man behind it is Hayden Smith. Picking up rubbish is his job and he wouldn't have it any other way.

"Yeah I love it, it's great. I mean to be here and being involved with this many kids, educating to see what's happening here. it's inspiring," he says.

Hayden is the founder and boss of the Waitemata Harbour Clean Up Trust, meaning he spends his days cleaning up the rubbish Aucklanders drop in their drains which flows out to the harbour.

This is Hayden's nine to five. But it hasn't always been this way. Hayden once had an ordinary job but dreamt of something better.

He did what not many people can do. He let his fingers loose and got all four of Auckland's councils on the same wavelength.

They all put up money in for a boat and a crew  and in six years they've picked up 1.6 million litres of rubbish.

"I couldn't be happier. It's a pretty amazing life and I am very fortunate to be here in this position working out on the coast every day. It's a dream come true," he says.

By anyone's maths, Hayden Smith is a ONE News good sort.

Do you know someone who is a "good sort" that ONE News should talk to?
Click here to nominate them.

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TheHoltens ; 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT  

The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)

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simplicity ; 2009-11-15 @ 22:41 NZDT  

Arthur Drower What an amazing man 60yrs in the fire service and 21 in St Johns, Funeral is at 11am Tok Club then He will take his last call from the fire station where he will be driven in a fire truck pass his house and back to the station, The Ambulance that he first drove will be driven down with 10 of the Auckland Ambo Team. Firemen from all around NZ will be making there way to what I am sure will be the largest Funeral that Tokoroa has seen. I am proud to have known a man so warm & Caring

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tabby ; 2009-11-01 @ 21:49 NZDT  

For 2 years Tapai was someone who made our day as I took my daughter to chemo everyweek. You are a blessing to so many and I pray Gods blessings upon your life thank you so much Tapai, my daughter died but just loved seeing you and if you were not there we would go oh no now where to park. thanks you so much keep blessing other people as they go through this time in their life.

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roset ; 2009-09-27 @ 18:03 NZDT  

Gill Fahey has done more than anyone can ever know for waifs and strays, new comers, neighbours, friends, family and strangers. She is the genuine example of a silent angel.

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nolaann ; 2009-09-14 @ 16:57 NZDT  

How can I find out about becoming a volunteer in a programme like this. I enjoy talking to people from other places.

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