Auckland Zero Waste Hui and Awards 2018

Friends of the Farm headed west last week, for the annual Auckland Zero Waste Hui and Awards at Zeal in Henderson.  The hui was a great opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow groups working to reduce waste in communities across Auckland.  It also gave us plenty to think about, with some interesting speakers sharing about waste reduction initiatives happening all over the country. 

Of note was Sustainable Salons- a new enterprise in New Zealand which works with hair salons to recycle the waste generated by their products and treatments.  And Mint Innovation- a start-up company that has recently patented a process which uses bacteria to remove valuable metals from e-waste.  Great to see such innovation and creativity springing up to address our waste challenges!

In the evening, the red carpet was rolled out and the space transformed with some glitz and glamour for the Zero Waste Awards.  Friends of the Farm was honoured to be nominated as a finalist in the Fair on all Fronts category, which recognises groups or individuals that have started up a social enterprise to divert waste from landfill.  Our Tote All Recall initiative to reduce the use of plastic bags in the Village received a special mention.

"It was wonderful to be nominated for our work in the community over a number of years to reduce waste to landfill. We acknowledge Auckland Council for supporting us to work creatively and effectively with local businesses, the library, residents, schools and community groups to reduce waste. Working together has made our vision of a caring, connected and wastewise community not only seem more possible but also become more tangible. We were proud to stand alongside many other finalists at the Auckland Community Zero Waste Awards", said Frances Hancock, co-founder of Friends of the Farm and the Mangere Bridge Wastewise initiative

All in all, the event was a real celebration of all the amazing work going on around our city to reduce waste. It was encouraging to see that we’re not alone in our efforts and that there are many ways to tackle the issue of waste.  With a bit of creativity, passion, energy and vision, we can definitely get to zero waste by 2040!