Auckland’s largest mid-week markets, Wesley Market could soon be upgraded with a shiny new waste management system.
Non-profit, NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust is proposing to partner with Puketāpapa Local Board to implement a much-needed system for sorting and collecting waste at Wesley Community Centre to service local schools, groups and businesses.
The proposal, which aligns with Auckland Council’s goal of reaching zero waste to landfill by 2040, is a prime opportunity to educate and engage with community on ways to reduce waste across Puketāpapa.
Puketāpapa Local Board chair, Ella Kumar is thrilled with this concept.
“We really appreciate that NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust has come up with a fantastic initiative for our community,” says chair Kumar.
“This work will really transform the way the community centre operates to be a leaner facility by reducing our impact on the environment.
“It’s hugely important to the local board that we look after our people as well as the environment, so we’re pleased to hear that NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust is thinking along the same lines."
The proposed waste reduction programme will require significant community cooperation and includes:
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a resource separation hub for organic waste, recyclable material, e-waste, soft plastics, reusable containers, coffee grounds and landfill
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mug and plate library wash station for food vendors
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waste education hub – a dedicated location for learning
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bike-powered community composting which transports food waste via cycle ways to compost locally
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an agreement with stallholders at Wesley Market
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collaboration with existing initiatives such as Bike Hub Mt Roskill, community gardens, repair cafes, youth hubs, container return scheme, WasteWise, schools and more.
Located at Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, the non-profit organisation led by migrant and refugee women offers a secure space and services for women to enhance their skills and confidence for settling in New Zealand.
Fadumo Ahmed, founder of NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust, says it’s great to be involved.
“We want to acknowledge that diversity in Puketāpapa means including our vulnerable families, those facing food insecurity, language barriers, and health issues. When we create services that cater for the most vulnerable in our community, we all reap the benefits.
“The NZ Ethnic Women's Trust has more than 12 different initiatives designed to uplift vulnerable community members and celebrate inclusive diversity in Puketāpapa. Our partnership with the Wesley Community Centre and Puketāpapa Local Board supports these initiatives in reaching their potential.”
While serving an invaluable cause to the displaced, it is not lost on the non-profit to also service and support its surrounding neighbourhoods.
Through a grant received from Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund (WMIF), the organisation first trialled a food waste collection service at Wesley Market.
The four-month trial resulted in diverting five tonnes of organic waste from landfill, that’s almost the equivalent weight to an elephant.
Given the success of the trial, a longer-term solution is being sought to continue reducing waste and to improve waste management, which includes a resource separation area.
This would enable waste to be easily sorted and collected from a tidy central hub at Wesley Community Centre, replacing the current designated location for a bunch of sprawled bins that’s next to the children’s play area.
To roll out this plan, a facilitator will be appointed to connect with community and work the council on implementation.
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