Good Sorts: Hayden Smith

Published: 8:51PM Sunday May 17, 2009 Source: ONE News

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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.

Share your thoughts on the series and the people featured on the message board below.

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  • RuralWomenNZ said on 2011-06-17 @ 09:09 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Hey! We thought you might be interested in the aftersocks projects that will raise money for the Chch Mayoral Fund. The idea came from two Cantabrian sisters called Justine and Jo Ottey. Check out the website www.aftersocks.co.nz from the 20th June or www.facebook.com/aftersocks.

  • Jazz1 said on 2010-05-24 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Love this segment! What great people!

  • margi21 said on 2010-04-07 @ 21:36 NZDT: Report abusive post

    I have this guys heart i would be dead if it wasent for him , thanks barry !

  • Jankeal said on 2009-12-25 @ 23:57 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Tim is my father and i'd just like to say that i'm proud of what he does bringing happiness to others lives and yet still finds time to talk and see his grandchildren. For a man who's had it rough the last 2-3 years it hasn't slowed him down and he still has time for everyone. Good on you dad/Pop!

  • TheHoltens said on 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT: Report abusive post

    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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