Erika teaches English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and she is a zero waste coordinator at English Language Partners, a charity that delivers English lessons to migrants and refugees in NZ.
Auckland's repair movement gains momentum
From volunteer-run repair cafés to a new permanent repair hub in Kingsland, a growing repair culture is helping Aucklanders save money, reduce waste and learn valuable skills. In just five years, repair has evolved from a grassroots movement into an increasingly visible part of New Zealand's waste reduction and circular economy efforts, with repair cafés, mending workshops and community repair events now a familiar feature across Auckland.
Royal Oak Intermediate hangi goes zero waste
Royal Oak Intermediate (ROI) recently had their school hangi and actively planned for it to be as zero-waste as they could. The inspiration started from a visit to 312 Day last year - a local community festival that ran as a zero-waste event, complete with reusable dining equipment and a wash station.
Zero Waster of the Month - Estefania Muller Pallarès
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 and compost hub is the new home of the community garden previously located on Oranga Avenue and is managed by Tāmaki WRAP (Waste Reduction Action Project).
Single-use cup free in Matakana
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 of the fantastic Browns Bay Pātaka Kai.
