Winners announced for the Auckland Community Zero Waste Awards 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 July 2018

Auckland, N.Z.: EcoMatters Environment Trust and the Auckland Guardians Group are thrilled to announce the winners of the Auckland Community Zero Waste Awards, held on Wednesday 25th of April at Zeal West in Henderson.

The awards recognised outstanding leaders in waste minimisation in seven categories:

TRAILBLAZER - For the individual that has gone above and beyond demonstrating their passion, knowledge, encouragement and empowerment for zero waste in their community

Winner: Josie Jackson
Josie has worked with people of all ages and backgrounds in Mahurangi to run practical workshops on upcycling, making wax wraps, paper straws and natural house cleaning products. She has also recruited the local New World to promote a zero plastic bag policy and to offer reusable bags to customers.

Runner-up: Amanda Hookham
Amanda has led a group of people to transform rubbish processing at the Titirangi Steiner School and the Titirangi Village Market.

POWER OF THE PEOPLE - For a group, community organisation (not-for-profit) or school that has demonstrated commitment, effort and leadership

Winner: Repair Café Auckland
Repair Cafe Auckland has supported 18 free pop-up events where people bring broken and damaged belongings and local volunteer experts sit down with them and do their best to repair them.

Runner-up: Laingholm Kindergarten
The children of Laingholm Kindergarten have been involved with composting, caring for their worm farm, beach cleanups and making honey wraps for their litter-less lunches.

LEADERS IN THE MAKING - For rangatahi/young people standing up and showing leadership for a zero waste world (this category is divided into two age groups: under 13 and 13-24 years)

Winner (Under 13): Cash Gallagher-Ruru
Cash is a ten-year-old student who is leading his kura, Newton Central School, on a journey towards zero waste gatherings and zero waste lunches.

Runner-up (Under 13): Monty Bailey
Monty is an eight-year-old Waiheke resident who has successfully campaigned for Fullers ferries to remove plastic straws from their passenger ferries.

Winner (13-24 years): Dylan Walters
Dylan is an active volunteer with Repair Cafes and works at at the Devonport Community Recycling Centre and Island Reuse Shop on Waiheke. He is passionate about saving items from the waste stream and has gained the skills to repair and test electrical items for reusing.

Runner-up (13-24 years): Ishwanka Sharma
Before graduating from One Tree Hill College, Ishwanka was a strong advocate for sustainable solutions at her school, including the Green Jam and the installation of a new bike rack. She has been involved with organising Make a Difference events, the Auckland Climate Challenge Conference and Ecofest at the University of Auckland.

FAIR ON ALL FRONTS - For an innovative community or social enterprise that is converting waste into a resource and improving social, environmental and local economic outcomes

Winner: The Goodness Grocer
The Goodness Grocer (Pukekohe & Waiuku) recycle almost everything, have an onsite worm farm, and have created their store using 100% repurposed shelving. They also share tips and organise events to encourage sustainable living.

Runner-up: Generation Ignite
Generation Ignite is a community foodbank initiative that distributes fresh food parcels with meal ideas, with the majority of each parcel being comprised of rescued food. They also host a weekly community lunch at the New Lynn Community Centre.

RE-IMAGINING THE RESOURCE - For an innovative, creative and unique upcycled product (each individual or group can enter with up to three different products)

Winner: Jared Diprose & Ryan Thorpe, Goose Boards
Goose Boards are one-of-a-kind cruiser boards handmade from business waste material - it’s a creative venture and an alternative form of transport.

Runner-up: James Wilson
James creates speakers out of goods from the inorganic collection - timber wood, old BBQs and old speakers.

SHINING STAR AWARD - in recognition of outstanding community impact

Winner: Everybody Eats
Everybody Eats rescues food from supermarkets that would otherwise end up in landfill and feeds Kiwis at their weekly pop-up pay-as-you-feel restaurant on Karangahape Rd.

The Awards Night was preceded by the Zero Waste Hui during the day, which was an opportunity for individuals and organisations with an interest in waste minimisation to come together to network, share skills and inspire each other.

The Auckland Community Zero Waste Hui & Awards were hosted by EcoMatters Environment Trust and the Auckland Guardians Group with support from Auckland Council.

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