Blessed are the rubbish-gatherers

By LOUISA CLEAVE

Keeping the streets of Gisborne clean and tidy during New Year celebrations will be helped along by dedicated Christian workers.

Between 3000 and 4000 people are expected in Gisborne for one of the biggest events on the local Christian calendar.

Gateway Servant 2000, a family camp on the outskirts of the city from December 28 to January 2, was an idea in the minds of religious leaders in 1995.

It was then that they identified rubbish as one of the biggest problems facing Gisborne during its millennium celebrations.

In line with the event's "servanthood" theme, organisers will assemble 20 teams of 25 people working three-hour shifts to clean up the city.

One organiser, Ray Sheldrake, said reconciliation and service were chosen as broad themes because of the many religions involved.

The Millennium Office is backing the event, and it will be part of the official celebrations on New Year's Day.

Church leaders, led by Father Joe Stack, Gisborne Christian Ministers' Association chairman, will hold a reconciliation service at 7 am.

Mr Sheldrake said the tent city at the A & P showgrounds would feature daily prayers and workshops, with evening entertainment.