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Smokefree 2025: A promise gone up in smoke – Asthma Foundation

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Smokefree 2025 was within reach. Now, it’s a milestone we’re set to miss.
As the globe marks World Smokefree Day this Saturday, 31 May, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is reminding Kiwis that this was the year New Zealand was meant to become smokefree.
“Instead, the Government rolled back the clock and stoked the fire, derailing years of public health progress,” Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says.
Ms Harding says there is little to celebrate and much to be concerned about.
“We were on track to lead the world in tobacco control, now we appear to be leading the world in vaping.
“Our previous Smokefree laws were bold, evidence-based, and targeted at protecting future generations, but the repeal of those measures blindsided everyone.”
The Foundation has been one of the strongest advocates for a smokefree Aotearoa for many years.
It backed policies that would have phased out tobacco sales for future generations, reduced nicotine levels, and supported drastically cutting the number of retailers.
Back in 2021, the Foundation celebrated the bold steps taken toward Smokefree 2025, calling it a “significant step forward” in reducing respiratory disease and health inequities, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities.
Fast forward to today, and the mood has shifted.
The Foundation has been vocal in its disappointment over the coalition Government’s decision to roll back key Smokefree laws, warning about the implications to the health of New Zealanders and a missed opportunity to lead the world in tobacco control.
At the same time, the Foundation is deeply concerned by the new approach to achieving Smokefree Aotearoa – simply shifting the problem to vapes.
“The Government’s strategy seems to be ‘let’s just add vapes to the mix’, which is just another product that has harmful health effects and ensures future generations are nicotine dependent,” said Ms Harding.
“As we have said previously, that rationale is like letting stoats in to eradicate rabbits – that’s not a solution.
“We’re not breaking the cycle of nicotine dependency – we’re just redirecting it,” she says.
“Let’s free Aotearoa from the shackles of big tobacco, who make money on the back of nicotine dependency.”
The goal shouldn’t just be a smokefree New Zealand – it should be vape-free too, Ms Harding says.
“Otherwise, we’re just chasing a new kind of addiction – and calling it progress.”
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Universities – Experts examine climate impacts on Pacific health – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June.

Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions.

Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a “silent killer”, says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium.

“More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,” she says.

While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says.

“What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.

“Pacific people are resilient. We’ve been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can’t keep up with the rate the climate is changing,” she says.

Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk.

“Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy – and there’s an outbreak in Tonga too.”

Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems.

She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed.

Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says.

“We’re hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.”

New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says.

“New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.”

Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua.

Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa’s Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma.

Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey.

Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers.

The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality – Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland.

The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here: http://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/te-poutoko-ora-a-kiwa-research-symposium-2025-tickets-1235148936719

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Te Roopu Tupeka Kore Launches Powerful New Documentary on Māori Tobacco Control

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Te Roopu Tupeka Kore, the Māori Tobacco Control network, is proud to launch Our Documentary: The Whakapapa of Māori Tobacco Control in Aotearoa New Zealand at Wainuiomata Marae, Lower Hutt, on 30th May 2025, as part of World Smokefree May.
The collective, made up of Māori organisations and advocates, has long fought to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and its disproportionate impact on Māori communities.
“Our documentary shares our journey and amplifies the collective voice of Māori in tobacco control,” says Anaru Waa, Interim Chair of Te Roopu Tupeka Kore and recent recipient of the Dame Tariana Turia Award for global leadership in Indigenous tobacco control.
Dame Tariana Turia, who passed away in January, led the introduction of the world-leading Smokefree 2025 Aotearoa goal during her time in Parliament.
“That leadership, born from the Māori Affairs Select Committee inquiry into tobacco use-led by Hone Harawira and Dame Tariana-set a global example,” says Waa.
While 2025 marked the target for a smokefree Aotearoa, Māori continue to face higher rates of nicotine addiction than non-Māori. Despite national progress, smoking-related inequities persist.
“This documentary isn’t an attack on any one government,” says Waa, “but a call to acknowledge how politics has too often derailed efforts to protect our people from tobacco harm.”
Told through the voices of Māori tobacco control leaders, the documentary is a snapshot of decades of advocacy, offering a deeper understanding of the movement and the passion driving it.
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Wine Sector – APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING INTERACTIVE WINE MAP

Source: Appellation Marlborough Wine

APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING INTERACTIVE WINE MAP

Digital Platform Revolutionises Understanding of New Zealand's Premier Wine Region
Marlborough, New Zealand, May 2025 – Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) today launches its highly anticipated Interactive Wine Map of Marlborough, a cutting-edge digital platform set to transform how wine professionals and enthusiasts experience the region's diverse terroir. 
This innovative tool elevates the original Wine Map of Marlborough, created by the Marlborough Wine Map Collective, into an immersive digital experience that brings the region's unique characteristics to life.
Developed through a strategic partnership with Marlborough-based geospatial experts MapHQ, the interactive map offers unprecedented insights into the factors that define Marlborough's world-renowned wines. Users can explore distinct subregions through interactive layers revealing critical terroir elements-topography, rainfall, temperature, and soil composition-all enhanced with photography and expert commentary from leading winemakers and viticulturists.
Sophie Parker-Thomson MW, Chair of Appellation Marlborough Wine, explains the significance of this digital milestone:
“The AMW interactive map represents a quantum leap in communicating Marlborough's diverse wine story. For the first time, we are offering a dynamic, visual exploration of how our distinctive subregions and microclimates stylistically contribute to our wines. It's an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what makes the Marlborough wine region, and the AMW certified wines produced here, so exceptional.”
Rob Besaans, Founder of MapHQ, highlights the technical innovation behind the project: “Partnering with AMW to create this digital platform has been an inspiring journey. Together, we’ve developed a tool that truly showcases the diversity and depth of Marlborough's wine-growing region.”
“Users can seamlessly transition between different data visualisations, revealing the complex interplay of factors that influence Marlborough wines.”
The Interactive Wine Map of Marlborough is now freely accessible on the AMW website, highlighting AMW's continued innovation and commitment to showcasing the remarkable diversity and quality of Appellation Marlborough wines to global audiences.
Experience the Interactive Wine Map at www.appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz/map
ABOUT APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE
Established in 2018, Appellation Marlborough Wine™ safeguards the integrity, authenticity, and global reputation of Marlborough wines. Wines bearing the AMW certification mark provide guarantees of:
– Origin – Made exclusively from 100% Marlborough-grown grapes from a delimited viticultural area.
– Authenticity – Bottled in New Zealand to preserve regional integrity and quality.
– Quality – Quality parameters such as minimum ripeness levels and certification through an independent blind tasting process to ensure typicity and quality.
– Sustainability – Produced from vineyards certified by a recognised sustainable viticulture scheme.
With over fifty-five members, AMW is dedicated to protecting the future of Marlborough's iconic wine region.
ABOUT MapHQ
MapHQ leverages years of geospatial insights and expertise to simplify mapping with an intuitive no-code platform. Our solution transforms complex geographic data into compelling visual experiences, empowering businesses of all sizes to enhance strategy, marketing, and operations through impactful, custom location-based insights.
For more information, visit www.maphq.app.
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Housing Market – Cotality First home buyer activity strong, but entering market later

Source: Cotality

Cotality-Westpac NZ First Home Buyer Report draws on Cotality’s extensive housing market data, as well as Westpac’s information about borrowers, to offer fresh insight into the purchasing behaviours, property preferences and financial profiles of New Zealand’s first-time home buyers (FHBs).
The report shows the number of first home buyers has picked up in recent years, accounting for nearly 25% of all property purchases across the country between January and April 2025 — well above the long-term average of 21–22%.
It also found that the average age of first home buyers in New Zealand is rising, with new data showing Auckland buyers now average 37 years old, 36 in Wellington, and 35 in Christchurch — each around two to three years older than in 2019.
“This shift partly reflects conscious lifestyle choices — such as travelling, building careers, or starting families — but housing affordability remains a key factor,” said Westpac NZ Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod.
“Even with prices well below their 2022 peak, getting onto the property ladder still takes time, especially in larger centres like Auckland where prices tend to be higher.”
Despite this later entry into the market, FHBs are currently getting more bang for their buck.

More than 75% of FHB purchases so far in 2025 have been standalone houses — the highest share since 2020 — and the median price paid has held steady at $700,000, unchanged from the past two years and lower than 2022’s $719,000.

“First home buyers may be older, but they’re entering the market with a clear plan and strong decision-making,” said Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson.

“They’re capitalising on their ability to tap into KiwiSaver, abundant listings, modest price growth and accessible finance to secure better homes in many cases. Making full use of the low-deposit lending allowances at the banks is another support for FHBs.”

“The big drop in interest rates over the past year has been a key factor that’s helped more New Zealanders into their first home,” said Ranchhod.

“Fixed mortgage interest rates are now around 170 to 200 bps lower than this time last year. For those buying an averaged priced first home, those lower interest rates could cut their monthly mortgage costs by around $800.”

Townhouses have made up 18% of FHB purchases to date in 2025, a higher share than among all buyers (15%), while only 2% of FHBs bought apartments and 3% opted for lifestyle blocks — compared to 6% in each category across the wider market.

The data also confirms that many FHBs are not entering at the bottom rung: while the FHB median price is lower than the overall buyer median of $780,000, it is significantly higher than the lower quartile of $585,000.
 
Spotlight on the main centres

Looking at New Zealand’s major cities, FHB activity has been elevated across the board.

The wider Wellington area leads the way, with FHBs accounting for 36% of purchases so far in 2025 — around 7 percentage points above the area’s long-term average. 
Hamilton follows closely at 30%, with Dunedin at 28%, Auckland 27%, and Christchurch 26%. Tauranga, while slightly lower at 21%, still sits about 4 points above its historical norm.

Standalone houses continue to be the dominant purchase type in most main centres.

In Dunedin, 90% of FHBs have bought standalone homes this year, with Hamilton and Tauranga both close behind at 89%. However, the share is comparatively lower in Auckland (64% vs an average of 67%), Wellington (67% vs 73%), and Christchurch (66% vs 77%) — likely reflecting both greater availability and affordability of smaller dwellings, including townhouses and apartments.

Price data reinforces the trend that first home buyers are typically entering the market above the lower rungs but below the peak.

In Auckland, the median FHB price so far in 2025 is $903,000 — $127,000 below the all-buyer median, but $114,000 above the lower quartile. FHB median prices are $767,000 in Tauranga, $740,000 in Wellington, $705,000 in Hamilton, and lower again in Christchurch and Dunedin.
 
Looking ahead

Cotality projects that national property sales will increase from 82,000 in 2024 to around 92,000 in 2025, with modest growth in values over the calendar year – perhaps 5% or a bit above. Although FHBs may see their market share edge down later in the year as other buyer groups re-enter the market, the total number of first home purchases is expected to rise.

“Market conditions continue to favour first home buyers — from abundant listings and pricing power, to accessible finance and the ability to use KiwiSaver towards a deposit,” Davidson said.

“While challenges remain, the opportunity to buy better for less is firmly within reach. It’s true that paying rent is generally cheaper than a mortgage, and it’s never easy to get that first home. But the security of tenure provided by owner-occupier clearly remains a strong motivation for first home buyers.”
 
About Cotality

We accelerate data, insights and workflows across the property ecosystem to enable industry professionals to surpass their ambitions and impact society. With billions of data signals across the life cycle of a property, we unearth hidden risks and transformative opportunities for agents, lenders, insurers, governments and innovators.
 
About Westpac NZ

Westpac NZ is one of the country’s biggest banks. As a large New Zealand business and employer, we touch the lives of around 1.5 million customers, 5,000 employees and communities nationwide. Getting more customers into their first homes sooner is a priority for us.
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Local Politics – Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith Announces Candidacy for Māori Ward in Rotorua Local Body Elections Rotorua, Aotearoa

Source: Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith

Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith, a dedicated kaitiaki and staunch advocate for the protection of Rotokākahi, yesterday announced his candidacy for the Māori ward in the upcoming Rotorua local body elections.

Driven by the unwavering support, guidance, and leadership of his whānau and hapū, Skipwith is stepping forward to bring about systemic change from within – challenging the very structures that have historically enabled poor planning, flawed decision-making, and the exclusion of mana whenua voices.

“The ongoing fight to protect Rotokākahi has shown me how broken the system can be when mana whenua are not properly consulted,” said Skipwith. “This isn’t just about the environment – it’s about justice, equity, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in real, practical ways.”

Skipwith sees his candidacy not only as a continuation of the fight to protect Rotokākahi, but as a new avenue to ensure that this never happens again. “This is another step in safeguarding the mauri of Rotokākahi – and in time, we must also find a way forward to remove the pipe entirely. That is part of the vision – restoration, not just protection.”

A key focus of his campaign will be building a genuine, enduring partnership between council and all iwi – not just select individuals or groups. This vision includes a Whakamana approach: iwi-led and council-supported solutions that address some of Rotorua’s most pressing social challenges.

“If we whakamana iwi, then we can also whakamana our people – especially our homeless whānau who deserve better pathways to stable housing, support, and dignity,” he added.

Skipwith also emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for rangatahi, including access to employment, education, and training. “Our rangatahi are the future of our whānau and hapū. Supporting them into mahi, further study or upskilling is how we strengthen our communities from the roots up.”

With deep connections to Rotorua and a fierce commitment to protecting whenua, taonga, and people, Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith’s campaign is a call for action, accountability, and authentic partnership.

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EMA Statement – RMA Announcements on Right Track

Source: EMA

Today’s Resource Management Act (RMA) changes announced by Ministers Bishop, McClay and Watts, are a significant step forward in making the building and connection of networks and critical infrastructure much easier, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
“Creating firm national direction through National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards, which consenting councils then have to follow, simplifies the process for construction, maintenance and renewal of electricity and telecommunications networks,” says EMA Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald.
“In addition, making the consenting of new quarries and expansion of existing sources of aggregate easier is also critical to any plans to build new infrastructure. From building a simple family home to multi-billion dollar construction projects, you’ve got to have aggregate.
“The existing rules are far too restrictive and difficult to navigate.”
The steps announced today are part of the government's RMA 2 changes, and are now going out for consultation. They will also feature in the RMA 3 legislation expected to be passed next year. While quite technical, the changes go a long way to easing consenting in those sectors, without easing environmental protections.
“Councils have to give effect to these national directives, and that will effectively end the multiple differing interpretations and standards that councils, often within the same region, apply to current RMA legislation,” says McDonald. 
“Many of our members have to navigate different rules from different councils just to do the same thing.”
Proposed changes to freshwater regulations were also announced, while housing policy changes are also on the way.
“I’m sure our farmers will welcome many of those changes, as will the quarrying industry which has run afoul of very strict changes to wetland definitions that effectively stopped quarrying on some existing sites,” says McDonald. 
“We’re aware of instances in the Auckland region where water running out of native bush areas, in theory, has to be cleaner when it leaves the farm than when it entered the property.”  
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Tertiary Education – Te Pūkenga continues strong growth in international education amidst ongoing sector change

Source: Te Pukenga

Thursday 29 May 2025 – Te Pūkenga continues strong growth in international education amidst ongoing sector change
Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology continues its growth trajectory in international student numbers, with enrolments, revenue, and international partnerships, all increasing strongly.
Te Pūkenga Chief Executive Gus Gilmore acknowledged the hard work of staff in achieving the results which include increases in international student numbers from 2,861 EFTS at the end of 2022, when polytechnics transitioned into Te Pūkenga, to 6,873 EFTS at year end 2024. At the same time, international revenue has increased nearly 60% from 2023 to 2025.
“Despite ongoing changes and uncertainty for our staff including almost 18 months of working towards disestablishment of Te Pūkenga and working to stand-up new entities, our international student numbers increased almost 30% between 2023 and 2024. This year so far, we are growing at 10.5% compared to last year.”
While international revenue was $187 million pre-Covid, it dropped to $47.5m million in 2022 post-pandemic. Te Pūkenga then accelerated the big task of building back from pandemic disruptions and border closures with revenue rebounding to $136 million in 2024. The 2025 forecast is $159 million.
“To be within less than 15% striking distance of pre-Covid numbers given the massive change the sector has been going through is a testament to the hard work of our teams, the quality of our programmes, growing global recognition of the importance of applied learning, and the strength of our institutes of technology and polytechnic brands offshore.”
International student growth is occurring throughout the country, including in the regions. This includes MIT up 25% (82 EFTS), Unitec up 20% (176 EFTS), Wintec up 44% (213 EFTS), Toi Ohomai up 13% (60 EFTS), NMIT up 30% (60 EFTS), and Ara up 16% (57 EFTS).
“Our focus continues to be on the delivery of quality education for all our students while supporting our divisions to promote the New Zealand vocational education and training sector offshore. As part of this, we are working with government agencies and sector stakeholders on building a stronger New Zealand brand for applied learning globally, and addressing immigration challenges so we can reduce barriers for international students choosing New Zealand as their study destination of choice,” says Mr Gilmore.
In addition, Te Pūkenga continues to actively expand and secure new institutional arrangements with partners from across the globe, including with international governments. These partnerships are critical pipelines for ongoing growth in student enrolments as well as broader education cooperation and sector resilience.
“These arrangements lay the groundwork for sustained future growth through mutual academic collaboration, academic exchange and student mobility. Critically, they strengthen our standing and reputation as a vocational education and training partner and destination, contributing to the revitalisation of New Zealand’s international education sector and economy.”
The large majority of international students across Te Pūkenga divisions come from Asia with India (49%), Sri Lanka (11%), and China (10%) the top three markets. We are also working to diversify student market sources.
“International students make a significant contribution socially and culturally to our institutes, campuses and student body. The international connections and understanding they help build are invaluable for a small island nation dependent on international trade and investment.”
The contribution of international student revenue to financial viability is increasingly more important as institutes of technology and polytechnic divisions are stood up as independent entities from January 2026.
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NZ Currency – 10 cent coin with King Charles III image now in production – Reserve Bank

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

29 May 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has quality checked and approved the 10 cent coin with the effigy of King Charles III, King of New Zealand (KCIII), for production and New Zealanders can expect to see it in their change around 2027.

Photos of the quality checking were released today giving people the first look at the actual coin.

“We received pre-production samples of the coin to check and approve before starting the full production run. We check the coins for quality, weight, size, security properties and that they match the design we ordered,” says Ian Woolford, Director of Money and Cash – Tari Moni Whai Take.

2024 is stamped on the coin which is the year RBNZ placed the order with the Royal Canadian Mint. New Zealand does not have a mint, so our coins are produced overseas.

The King's effigy was designed for the Royal Mint by illustrator and designer Dan Thorne to be used on all New Zealand's coins. The Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand provided advice on the 10 cent coin before it went into production. The King faces to the left in keeping with the convention that the direction changes between sovereigns.

“The reverse (or tails) side of the 10 cent coin still features an image of a koruru – the carved face on the gable of a meeting house – designed by James Berry as a part of the 1967 decimal coin series,” says Mr Woolford.

“All existing circulating coins, and $20 banknotes, bearing images of Queen Elizabeth II continue to be legal tender. We order notes and coins infrequently and do not plan to destroy stock or withdraw them early from circulation as this would be wasteful and poor environmental practice.”

Minting the 20 cent, 50 cent, $1 and $2 coins with the KCIII image is likely to be around 2027. Coins then typically enter circulation around two years after production.

“Updating our currency with the new sovereign takes several years because we always hold sufficient stock to deal with demand spikes or supply issues. We make enough coins and banknotes just in case – not just in time,” says Mr Woolford.

“We will let everyone know when the KCIII coins are due to enter circulation as the time nears.”

Banks, retailers, consumers and anyone using or handling cash will not need to do anything differently when we introduce the coins bearing the image of the King. We will work with the cash industry to make sure there are no glitches with cash handling machines like self-service checkouts, vending and change machines accepting and issuing the new and old coins.
 

More information

King Charles III coin: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=65f32a7e75&e=f3c68946f8

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Local News – Porirua City Council to launch pilot Waste Minimisation Grant scheme

Source: Porirua City Council

A pilot scheme offering grants to Porirua projects that enable waste minimisation in the city was approved at a full Porirua City Council meeting this morning.
Starting in the 2025/26 financial year, part of the funds received by Porirua City Council from the Waste Levy Subsidy will be used to provide community grants to groups with projects that will encourage reuse, repurposing and recycling capacity in the city.
The scheme will initially run as a 12-month pilot to gauge the level of demand and the types of projects sought.
There will be two levels of funding available for projects. The first will be grants of up to $30,000 that will become available in a single application round.
The second will be grants of up to $2000 which can be applied for year round.
Establishing this grant is part of the enacting Porirua City’s 2023-29 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
Porirua City Councillor Geoff Hayward, who represents Porirua City on the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Joint Committee, says this scheme will empower communities in the city.
“It’s the kind of initiative that reflects the best of what local government can do. It’s backing communities to lead solutions using existing levers wisely.
“It will reduce pressure on rates and support our goal to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”
Waste minimisation initiatives could include new projects that reduce waste at the source and encourage movement towards a circular economy.
Projects that focus on reduction, redesign, reuse, repair and repurpose will also be considered.
“We want to see initiatives that create new opportunities and encourage community participation in waste minimisation,” says Councillor Hayward.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says this is a positive move for waste reduction in Porirua.
“This is another way that we can work towards making our communities more healthy and encourage more people to get involved in positive outcomes.”
The grant scheme will now be developed with more information to come once the details have been finalised.