Getting to Zero Whiringa ā Nuku

Kia ora!

Welcome to the Whiringa-ā-Nuku/October issue of Getting to Zero, the monthly newsletter to inform, connect and inspire the Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland zero-waste community. Across the region, communities and individuals are having an amazing impact diverting waste and keeping resources in use. Read on to learn more.

Ngā mihi mahana,

Valerie

Zero Waster of the Month:

Estefania Muller Pallarès

Stef Muller Pallarès does her mahi with Trash Free Taiaotea and Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae.

“For Trash Free Taiaotea, I support Ben Sheeran and our team at local events to ensure they are as low waste as possible. I also teach the Zero Waste Zero Carbon programme across five schools in the Hibiscus & Bays area.”

“I love how simple actions or behaviours spark conversations with people of all walks of life. I often teach young children who at first seem disinterested in ‘waste’ or ‘dirt’ but end up curious about their school garden & compost, or handing out mugs instead of disposable cups.”

“It is great when our educational events show people ‘it’s just like being at home’ or ‘well we existed without single use for a long time’.”

“The best zero waste gift I’ve received? Gumboots! They were on my wish list, had no wrapping & get used at least once a week!”

See Bays Work in Progress on Facebook to keep up with all this mahi. Great work Stef! Ngā mihi maioha ki a koe!

Photo: Stef Muller Pallarès (yellow gloves!) and the washing up crew at the Matariki event at Ōrewa beach.

Zero waste projects excel at business awards

The Beautification Trust recently received three awards in the 2 degrees Auckland Business Awards - South and East!

This is such well deserved recognition for:

Excellence in Sustainability
Employer of the Year
Supreme Award

Localised were finalists in two categories, Employer of the Year and Strategy

“It's wonderful to see our community partners recognised for their incredible mahi and valuable contributions they make to Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Auckland Council Community WasteWise Manager, Monisha Wylie-Kapoor.

Single-use cup free in Matakana

When Angelica opened her café and bookshop in Matakana, she was determined not to add to the millions of single use coffee cups that end up in landfills every day. And her waste minimisation efforts don't stop with coffee cups.

Doubling the impact: two community pātaka kai

On 2 September 2026, Trash Free Taiaotea launched a new community initiative to reduce kai going to waste in a way that also looks after our neighbours: a community food pantry at the Rangitoto Kindergarten’s community garden site in Mairangi Bay. The launch was exactly two years to the day since the ribbon cutting for the successful Browns Bay Pātaka Kai.

Skills for life, skills for the planet

The Beautification Trust’s Tread Lightly programme is taking sustainability education into new spaces and creating opportunities for people to learn practical skills that can make a difference long after a workshop ends. Their crafting and creating workshops with the Department of Corrections give wāhine completing community service hours the chance to learn skills like hand sewing, machine sewing, knitting and other creative techniques.

Growing Together: Oranga’s New Community Garden Takes Shape

A new community growing space is beginning to flourish at Fergusson Domain, bringing fresh food, practical learning and opportunities for connection to the Onehunga community. Known as Ngā Hua o Oranga, the garden is the new home of the community garden and compost hub previously located on Oranga Avenue and is managed by Tāmaki WRAP (Waste Reduction Action Project).

ThreadFest is back for 2026!

The 2025 event was huge, but this year is going even bigger and taking over Birkdale Community House and Hall.

What can you look forward to?

A mega fabric swap
Workshops (times to be announced)
Demonstrations from local craft groups.

Best of all: it's all FREE! And it's family friendly – there's even a playground on site.

Start clearing out your stash now so you can bring along any fabric, patterns, haberdashery, wool, and other craft supplies that you don't want anymore. (And you need to make room for all the amazing goodies you'll take home...)

Spread the word to your friends, your mum, your aunties, anyone who likes making and creating – and see you there!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project and Kaipātiki Local Board.

For more information, email Thread Lightly or see Facebook or Instagram.

Online course: Introduction to Zero Waste & the Circular Economy

Join Zero Waste Aotearoa for an online comprehensive overview of zero waste practices, policies, values, and concepts. Delivered as 3 sessions over 3 weeks.

Session 1: Zero Waste Concepts & Context
9am - 12pm Tuesday 20th October
Session 2: Recyclable Resources
9am - 12pm Tuesday 27th October
Session 3: Zero Waste Activities
9am - 12pm Tuesday 3rd November
Find full course details and enrolment here.

Intro to zero waste course

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This newsletter is brought to you by Zero Waste Aotearoa with support from Auckland Council’s Community WasteWise Team.