Kia ora koutou,

Thanks to your loyal support, 2022 is off to a fantastic start!

After your feedback, we’ve designed workshops that you asked for - from organic gardening to upcycling timber. So mark your calendars and keep connected to sign up for some interactive fun.

We’re rapt to welcome to the team Joe Turton, Marsha Khoo, Mieke Verschoor, and Dave Malcolm, who hosts recycling tours at The Junction so book yours today! Tours help tamariki understand the importance of caring for our taiao (natural environment).

Did you know our kaupapa is expanding in South Taranaki through establishing Taranaki’s newest community garden? Learn more about this incredible mahi (work). 

Let’s keep connected by sharing stories like Proof & Stock who are keen for Taranaki businesses to follow their lead by keeping unrecyclable tetra-packs out of landfill that eventually get turned into jib-board.

Ngā mihi nui, Sustainable Taranaki Tima (team) 

Let’s Compost

It’s the time of year to start composting or ‘lasagne-layering’ your garden beds with green waste and crop residue. If you’re not sure where to start, Mieke can help you!

Mieke’s workshops help you transform unwanted kai, cardboard, paper and hay into nutrient dense compost to make your garden thrive. You’ll learn about hot and cold composting processes, worm farms, bins and bokashi (Japanese composting style).

It’s simple for you to host a workshop so email Mieke to find out how this New Plymouth District Council initiative is bringing gardens to life!

We Need Your Help!

What's important to you about the environment?
Let us know by completing our 5-minute survey to win fantastic prizes - a family boat ride on Chaddy's Charters, $50 voucher from Elixir Cafe or other tasty treats kindly donated by loyal partners. Your opinion matters so do it now!

Will You Join Our Sustainable Backyards Trail?

Friday 28 October - Sunday 6 November

Every year the Trail is growing in popularity thanks to generous people like you! Opening up your garden inspires people to do more for the environment while empowering a journey of self-sufficiency.

Share your passion for sustainability, whether it’s growing great kai, natural energy, construction, waste reduction or upcycling by emailing Brittany with your expression of interest by 28 February 2022.

Celebrating a Year of Connection

Marfell Community Garden volunteers honoured the garden’s one-year anniversary with a sign that highlights the group’s unique kaupapa. Over the summer it’s been amazing to see the pātaka kai brimming with vegetables grown by the community for everyone to enjoy.

If you’d like to see the incredible impact of the volunteer’s mahi then pop in or come along to the next hui/working bee on Sunday 6 March @ 3pm. Here’s your chance to connect with new people and make life-long friends! Check out Taranaki’s other community gardens in the link below.

Empowering Young Environmental Leaders

Te Ara Taiao made such an impact last year with creating environmental leaders at Waitara and Coastal Kaitake schools, that the programme has been extended for another three years so more hapū can reap the benefits.

Taiao leaders work with ngā hapū and schools to connect tamariki to their rohe (ancestral land) thanks to a partnership between Sustainable Taranaki, the Department of Conservation, and community groups. Learn more about this inspiring programme by listening to the interview with Tane as he tells us about his role.

Making Tamariki’s Vision a Reality

We want to work with Taranaki schools that empower students to think outside the box.

Our IMPACT facilitators help foster community and environmental awareness by giving tamariki the opportunity to create their own sustainable projects. Students are taught team-building skills and encouraged to grow their individual strengths so email Mieke to find out more today!

Talking Taiao Podcast - Spying on Sharks

Shark scientist, Rob Lewis, works with Taranaki communities to learn more about our local shark species behaviours.

The Otago University lecturer shares why sharks should be protected and how he got hooked! Catch up on Talking Taiao episodes on Spotify by clicking on the link below.

Sustainable Business Champions

Proof & Stock Coffee is leading by example by turning its business waste into eco-friendly products. Meet Adrianna and Tane Morgan, the inspiring owners of the relaxed café & roastery on Cutfield Road. Read about their efforts to reduce waste from their growing business.

Politicians Asked to Take a Stand

We’re proud of community representatives who ask the Government to do more to protect the environment. Sustainable Taranaki’s kaupapa of caring for Taranaki’s taiao (natural environment) for future generations was shared with five Labour MPs. Find out how the group’s message was received.

New South Taranaki Community Garden

We’re growing our kaupapa in South Taranaki by establishing a new food garden for everyone to enjoy. The proposed garden will focus on creating connections with each other and our whenua (land), thanks to the generosity of The Tindall Foundation. Your input is vital in the garden’s design so keep an eye out for next month’s hui on Facebook to get involved. To support the mahi, we’re on the hunt for a coordinator so if you live in South Taranaki, love community collaboration, are a passionate gardener, enjoy connecting with people, and can commit to five hours a week email your CV to Andrea by Monday 28th February.

Meet the Team - Dave Malcolm

As a primary teacher, Dave developed a passion for educating tamariki about sustainability and fostering kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment). Through working with students participating in the Enviroschools Programme, Dave supported the students to encourage the community to protect our whenua (land). Dave is a staunch supporter of zero waste practices and enjoyed volunteering for Wellington’s Sustainability Trust at community events. After growing up in Taranaki, Dave is following his dream of living a peaceful life on a rural property working towards self-sufficiency.

Events Calendar

Local environmentally and community-focused events, all in one place!

Are you passionate about sustainability and supporting our growing community? Follow us on Facebook, join our Sustainable Taranaki Community Facebook Group, and get involved in local events and educational opportunities!.