Meet Neil Wilson: Wellington's litter legend

For over 20 years, Neil Wilson has had what many would consider the 'gruelling' task of keeping Wellington’s reserves and beaches clean. As the Council’s Litter Control Specialist, he collects dumped items and litter from open spaces all the way from Miramar to Tawa, before sorting the findings into recycling.

A man in high vis pulling a bag of rubbish across grass.

“I normally start my day walking down Oriental Bay and picking up rubbish, clearing the bins and seeing if there are any dumpings. The most common thing I find on the beach are road signs!"

Every day looks different for Neil, but it normally requires him to be on his feet and to constantly move from one suburb to another, he says.

“After my bay run is done, I make my way through the other locations and see what’s in store for me. The worst thing I find is dead animals. Recently, I found a little blue penguin that I took to the vet at Wellington Zoo to be analysed. I also find a lot of Japanese puffer fish with the spikes still on.”

On top of this, Neil takes the initiative to recycle anything he finds in the bins or through the dumpings, going above and beyond his responsibilities.

A man in high vis standing next to a truck.

Before his time at the Council, Neil had a range of odd jobs from dabbling in screen printing to working at Mitsubishi Motors. He then took a series of temporary roles, including one at Wellington City Council.

He initially had the goal of travelling, but once he started at the Council, he found that he was comfortable and happy in his role and Wellington would be home for awhile longer.

His temp job evolved into his role as the Litter Control Specialist, which was created for him due to his passion for open spaces, and he says he hasn’t looked back since.

“When I got the job at the Council, I just never wanted to leave! My role has so much variety. I care for our reserves and beaches by collecting rubbish and any dumpings, but I also can operate a crane, work closely with Park Rangers and volunteers, and help with training."

While many might think his work would be gruelling, he says that he’s stuck around for 20 years because of the people.

“The people keep you here. At work I have autonomy and my colleagues are why I enjoy what I do. It also keeps my physically active - I like being on the move. I wouldn’t stay this long if I didn’t love it.

“I also get people coming up to me a lot and thanking me for my work. I always worry at the start that they’re thinking bad things and it’s quite a thankless job, but people always say they appreciate what I do and are blown away by our work.”

A large pile of rubbish. — Example of a dumping that is collected by Neil.

Though Neil is known for being incredibly humble, he is known by many at the Council as being “all heart”.

His manager, John Curran says that many people have come to know him because of how kind and upbeat he is.

“Many have come to know him in the parks, sport and recreation space as a smiley, positive person with a can-do attitude. He cares about the climate and making sure we hit our waste minimisation goals. He’s a true champion.”