From food to fabric, construction waste to the circular economy, the amazing stories of those working to reduce waste to landfill across Tāmaki Makaurau have been recognised at the 2021 Zero Waste Awards.
One hundred and fourteen individuals, groups, schools, marae, local businesses and social enterprises were nominated for this year’s awards, recognising those doing great things to help Auckland achieve its vision of zero waste by 2040.
“It’s a massive privilege to be part of this event and to celebrate the people and organisations who are finding creative ways to reduce waste in their local communities. Tāmaki Makaurau is better off for all their efforts and advocacy. We can only face this challenge together,” says Auckland Council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee Chair, Councillor Richard Hills.
Judges Charmaine Bailie (Uru Whakaaro, Para Kore ki Tāmaki), Damon Birchfield (EcoMatters), Kristy Lorson (EarthSavvy) and Parul Sood (Auckland Council Waste Solutions General Manager) selected winners, as well as highly commending several other entries in each of the five categories.
During the evening, special posthumous recognition was paid to Richelle Kahui-McConnell, the founder of Para Kore ki Tāmaki, who passed away in October 2020.
Her whānau received an award called Ko te rongoā kei roto i ō tātua ringa (Already in our hands are the remedies), a quote from John Te Rangi-Āniwaniwa Rangihau to commemorate Richelle’s contribution to Auckland’s zero waste community.
Richelle was instrumental in helping Auckland Council to engage with mana whenua and matāwaka to ensure their priorities and te ao Māori were woven through the 2018 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
She also contributed to many different organisations to help reduce waste and established Para Kore ki Tāmaki as a leader in working collaboratively with marae and whānau, delivering workshops and providing resources to help Māori communities minimise waste.
“Richelle supported us in every facet of zero waste kaupapa. She was generous, loving, joyful and a true connector of people. I know everyone who met her remembers and values her contribution with fondness and respect,” says Auckland Council Waste Solutions General Manager Parul Sood.
This year’s awards were held on Thursday 29 July in central Auckland. They were organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust in partnership with Auckland Council and in support of Auckland’s vision of zero waste by 2040.
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