Marae in Waikato Maniapoto feed over 200,000 guests each year, producing massive amounts of waste.To prevent most of this being transported to landfills, Xtreme Waste has recently launched Para Kore, meaning Zero Waste, to help maraereduce waste.
Co-ordinator Jacqui Forbes says the project will look at what a marae buys and encourage the reusing, recycling and composting of waste.“We’d love this project to spread like wildfire throughout Aotearoa.It’s a practical way for marae today to reflect Maori values of respect for the environment passed down from our ancestors.”
Initially Para Kore will work closely with three marae to trial systems to reduce waste.“We’re excited that Poihakena in Raglan has agreed to participate, with Turangawaewae in Ngaruawahia and Kirikiriroa marae in Hamilton hoping to join the project soon.”
Jacqui says the project and its logo were blessed with karakia from Sean Ellison and Paddy Kaa at Poihakena.Visitors also toured Kaiwhenua Organics, Whaingaroa Harbourcare and Xtreme Waste.
Xtreme Waste has received funding from the MfE’s Sustainable Management Fund and is working with the support of Environment Waikato to deliver this project.
