Local actions, big impact: our 2024 recap!

SustainabilityTaranaki
Written By Elric Aublant

Our eight programmes were all very busy in 2024 with one common kaupapa: supporting people and businesses to value the environment. You will find below a short recap of each of our programmes for 2024.

  1. Te Ara Taiao

  2. Zero Waste Events

  3. Taranaki Sustainable Trails

  4. Sustainable Business Support

  5. Let’s Compost

  6. Taranaki Nature Cleanups

  7. The Junction - Zero Waste Hub Education

  8. Community Gardens

Do you want to be involved? Can you support one of our projects? Do you want to learn more about something?
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Te Ara Taiao

Te Ara Taiao is a collaboration between hapū, schools, government and community organisations, educating Tamariki in the taiao. 

The vision of Te Ara Taiao in Taranaki is to be a leading community that enhances the relationship between tamariki and Taiao ecosystems.

Te Ara Taiao 2024 recap:

2. Zero Waste Events - Sustainable Taranaki Volunteers

At Sustainable Taranaki, we can assist you in making your event Zero Waste. We have experience with events of all sizes, including sports games, concerts, expos, festivals, and markets. Our clients have seen significant reductions in waste and a more sustainable event overall.

Our team offers guidance and support to make your event more sustainable and work towards a zero-waste outcome.

We provide a range of services: 

  • Planning and executing your event waste management plan 

  • Liaising with city councils to meet requirements 

  • Collaborating with vendors to reduce non-recyclable and non-compostable items

  • Recruiting staff or volunteers for training and supervision during the event 

Zero Waste Events 2024 recap:

3. Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2024 and 2025

We are thrilled to wrap up the Sustainable Trails for 2024! It was a huge year for the event, being its 10 year anniversary and introducing two new trails – the farms and builds.  

This year, we had an incredible array of hosts and events to inspire the strong number of visitors, including from both Taranaki and around the motu. Reflecting on such an awesome year with the trails has us excited already for 2025! 

A massive ngā mihi to everyone involved in the Trails, including sponsors, hosts, events contributors, volunteers and visitors. You are what makes this event come to life!

Sustainable Trails 2024 recap:

  • Keep your eyes peeled for information about the Sustainable Trails 2025, which will be coming soon! If you wish to get in touch regarding hosting, sponsorship, volunteering, or anything else, contact Cath Stabb as our Trails Coordinator for this year.

  • Visit the Sustainable Trails website.

4. Sustainable Business Support

Sustainable Business Support is a new programme that was launched in November 2024. The goal is to support Taranaki businesses in their journey toward making change by implementing sustainable practices that are easy to adopt and meaningful.  

Services include; Nature Clean-ups, Recycling education and tours, waste audits and waste reduction support and advice, business-focused compost workshops, zero waste planning, zero waste events, sustainable procurement and supply chain support, teambuilding, marketing and PR for sustainability efforts, and supporting more transparent and ethical operations.  

Every business—no matter the size or sector—has the potential to create positive environmental and social impact. He waka eke noa—we’re all in this together.

Business Support 2024 recap:

5. Let’s Compost

Let’s Compost is organising free workshops where you learn about how and what to compost and how easy it is to start turning organic waste into healthy nutrients for your garden.

You’ll also get info about various composting systems including compost bins, worm farms, and bokashi.

Workshops are hosted by organizations, like schools, community gardens, crop swaps or at someone's home garden.

For people who can’t afford to purchase a compost system and for those keen on building their own; we provide tips and ideas on making your own system from 'waste' or more affordable materials.

Let’s Compost recap (from Aug. 22 until Dec. 24):

6. Taranaki Nature Cleanups

Taranaki Nature Cleanups is a community-driven initiative addressing waste issues in Taranaki. We are building a social enterprise that runs clean-ups for volunteers in conjunction with organisations and businesses. Our mission is to empower local groups and hapū, raise awareness about the environmental impact of waste, and build a stronger, more connected community.

Taranaki Nature Cleanups 2024 recap:

7. The Junction - Zero Waste Hub

The Junction Zero Waste Hub Education Programme serves to promote, educate and advocate for sustainable waste minimisation in support of the objectives of NPDC's Waste Management & Minimisation Plan. 

In partnership with WISE CHARITABLE TRUST, NPDC and with support from TOI FOUNDATION, Sustainable Taranaki offers free tours of the ZERO WASTE HUB, ZERO WASTE-focused workshops, events and promotional pop-ups. 

Highlights for 2024 included:

  • a zero waste potluck with advocates Liam & Hannah from 'The Rubbish Trip';

  • a free networking event & community screening of the Happen Films documentary film Ben & BEartha: 'A community composting love story';

  • Stratford Primary School winning our Schools' Upcycling Competition for a second year in a row;

  • hosting pop-up promotional stalls at public events such as the Home & Garden Show and Pickers Market;

  • as well as delivering a range of family-friendly school holiday workshops that encouraged parents to work alongside their tamariki to explore new skills and build an understanding of how we can make use of or reduce waste in our everyday lives. 

The Junction Education 2024 recap (from Sept. 23 to Sept. 24):

8. Community Gardens

Establishing community gardens promotes an environmentally and socially just food system that benefits all. If you’ve always wanted to grow your own flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs here’s your opportunity!

Sustainable Taranaki is managing three community gardens in Taranaki:

  • Marfell Community Garden (Ngāmotu - New Plymouth)

  • St Mary’s Community Garden (Hāwera)

  • St George Community Garden (Pātea)

Community Gardens 2024 recap:

Do you want to be involved? Can you support one of our projects? Do you want to learn more about something?
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US, we’d love to hear from you!

Elric Aublant
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