Reducing waste together

As Restoring Rosedale continues to explore innovative ways to improve environmental outcomes across the Albany Basin, a new Waste Minimisation Project is helping local businesses become part of the solution.

Run by Project Activator Madi Sexton and made possible through $45,000 from Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund, this project is establishing four waste hubs across the North Harbour Business District.

Each hub will be hosted by a local business, serving itself and up to 10 neighbouring businesses. This is a collaborative and innovative approach to managing green and organic waste. The hubs will enable 40 tonnes of waste to be diverted for high-quality compost production.

This compost can then be used to improve soil health for planting natives or to grow food as we look to scale greening and nature-based solutions across the Albany Basin, explains Madi.

“Collectively, local businesses will sequester carbon, retain waste biomass, grow the local value chain, reduce emissions and waste management costs, all while generating a new local commodity.”

“This project fits into Te Hōnonga a Iwi’s wider goals to mitigate and adapt to climate change, increase biodiversity, individual, community, and planetary health, as well as increasing the organisation's sustainable outcomes,” says Madi.

Madi’s role in the project so far has been largely research-based, with a focus on setting the project up for success by understanding the why and how, backed by scientific sources and evidence. She has found it an extremely rewarding project to be part of and has enjoyed connecting with local businesses across the community.

Currently completing her final semester in a Bachelor's of Environmental Science and Marine Science at AUT, Madi is passionate about connecting communities with the local environment, so working with Te Hōnonga a Iwi was a natural fit. When she’s not busy at Restoring Rosedale, Madi can be found making pottery or hiking outdoors as she aims to complete all the Great Walks of New Zealand with only four out of the ten to go!

“I am beyond excited to see how Te Hōnonga a Iwi is going to transform the Rosedale area, and I am so lucky to be a part of the journey,” says Madi.

And we are lucky to have you!