Sharing Ideas Across the Gulf - from Waiheke to Rakino

The Hauraki Gulf Islands Network brings together community representatives from Waiheke, Rakino, Kawau and Aotea to support each other and share information on how each motu is working towards Tāmaki Makaurau’s zero waste vision. The network connects quarterly online and comes together annually for a two-day hui organised by Waiheke Resources Trust (WRT). Zoe O’Farrell, WRT’s Zero Waste Manager said, “This was my first year organising the hui. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up in person, to build relationships that support waste minimisation initiatives on the different motu of Tīkapa Moana o Hauraki.”                   

This year’s hui kicked off mid-May on Waiheke, with a welcome and whakawhanaungatanga, before heading out on the Sacred Spaces in Public Places tour with Huhana Davis. From there, the group visited the Island Waste Collective (IWC), where materials are repurposed and recycled in what Rakino Islander, Lisa, described as an “enviable” system. The afternoon included a stop at the Recovery Shop, followed by a network review and planning session. The day wrapped up with dinner and a chance to engage and build stronger friendships. 

On day two, everyone hopped on a water shuttle to Rakino island. The group visited the local waste depot and talked through how waste services work in a small, remote community. There was a lot of enthusiasm for Lyndsey’s composting initiative, which will pilot a tailored solution for Rakino’s food scraps. Other highlights included a visit to the plant nursery and an opportunity for attendees to channel their inner scientist with some Environmental DNA stream testing. 

The network and its annual hui is a great way for the islands’ waste and environment champions to stay connected, learn from each other, and tackle unique challenges together as they work towards a zero-waste future.