Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called Mormons, joined a council-directed cleanup which was organised to prepare the city for World-Cup visitors in September. About 15 congregations were represented by men and women, many wearing yellow vests or shirts that are the trademark of Mormon Helping Hands.
In Blockhouse Bay Larelle Betti, member of Blockhouse Bay's Main Street Committee, said "We are very impressed with the local churches that have come and given us support. We are very grateful to you all." She also expressed gratitude to the Auckland City Council who had provided paint, plants, and other supplies for the project.
Projects included painting curb-side lamp poles, public toilets, planter boxes, and other public amenities. Teams of workers also dug in new plants, weeded gardens, scraped off stickers, removed posters, and picked up litter.
Local restaurant owner, Alessandro Fantoni, was so impressed with the volunteers that he offered them free lunch.
Latter-day Saint Bishop David Congerton said "We were asked to volunteer our services to help make Auckland presentable for the World Cup. This morning they have asked us to go around and remove posters and other advertising materials that shouldn't be on the street – the stuff that's been slapped on light posts and signs. Providing service is one of our key teachings and that is what all of us are doing today." Sixty volunteers turned out to work under Bishop Congerton's direction in Eden Terrace.
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