Four new initiatives to help south and east Auckland communities lead their own environmental and sustainability projects have been launched.
The Beautification Trust works with local boards in the area, and representatives from the Howick, Papakura, Franklin and Manurewa boards were all at the launch.
The first initiative is a new community tool library, where locals can borrow free tools for their own environmental projects.
Manurewa Local Board deputy chair Melissa Moore says the library will be a great resource for those needing equipment.
“Projects like native planting or community gardens are a practical way communities can make a difference, but they need tools.
“The library will take away any cost barriers, and that’s important because often groups need a lot of spades or rakes, but just don’t have them.”
The second initiative, also at the trust’s base at 38 Holmes Rd in Manurewa, is Creator Space, a workshop and classroom facility available for hire for teaching sustainable practice and environmental education.
Franklin Local Board’s Malcolm Bell says it will be a valuable site for sharing knowledge.
“So much of what is happening in the sustainability space is being driven by local groups and it’s important they have somewhere they can pass their skills on to others.”
The third initiative, the Tiaki Fund, offers environmental and beautification project cost grants of up to $1000 to marae, schools, early childhood centres, neighbourhoods and community, youth and workplace groups.
Howick Local Board chair Adele White says they’ll welcome the fund.
“Often they are scrambling for funds to keep themselves going or for their own projects. This will allow them to do things for the environment without having to worry about money.”
And the new Community Compost scheme makes free compost available to south and east Auckland residents and groups.
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says he’s looking forward to residents using the scheme.
“Our kerbside household food scraps collection goes into making compost. It will be good to see it coming back and helping grow more food, starting the circle again.”
Home, school and community gardeners can order compost using the trust’s website and collect it Monday to Friday from 8am-4pm.
Trust chief executive Daniel Barthow says locals know what needs to be done when it comes to protecting the environment. “These new programmes will give people the tools and resources they need.”
Details on the four initiatives can be found on the trust’s website here.
