- Project support for school gardens, illegal dumping, waste reduction and climate resilience
- Greener, cleaner & connected neighbourhoods
The Manurewa Local Board is stepping up its fight against illegal dumping and environmental challenges with a major $1.1 million investment into grassroots eco projects.
At the June business meeting, the board approved its 2025/2026 Local Environment Management Work Programme, targeting waste, biodiversity, climate resilience and community education.
A key focus is the issue of illegal dumping, with $122,000 allocated to illegal dumping enforcement and leadership and a further $155,000 set aside for Manurewa Neat Streets 2025 – a hands-on programme aimed at restoring pride in local streets and parks.
The funding also supports:
- Manurewa waste minimisation
- Manurewa neat streets
- Manukau Harbour Forum
- Manurewa Waitaki Project
- Manurewa Eco-Neighbourhoods
- Rewilding Manurewa,
- Maara Kai in Manurewa Schools, teaching kids how to grow and care for kai
- Bike hub initiatives, to get more locals cycling
- Pest Free South Auckland, supporting predator control and native wildlife
- Manurewa Schools working with wai
- Papakura Stream restoration programme
- Wattle Farm Pond weeding programme support
- Low carbon lifestyle – Home Energy Advice
Smaller projects will back responsible pet ownership, stream restoration, and water testing with schools.
While illegal dumping remains a challenge, Local Board Chair Matt Winiata says the board is committed to a longer-term shift.
“This is about creating clean, green, connected neighbourhoods where people feel pride and ownership. We want to support residents with the tools to care for their environment and call out behaviour that doesn’t reflect who we are.”
All projects will be rolled out as part of the 2025/2026 work programme, with the board emphasising that the work must be community-led and locally grounded.
The programme builds on years of environmental work already underway and the Local Boards commitment to environmental restoration and local climate action in Manurewa.
Stay connected
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?
Sign up for the Manurewa Local Board E-News or follow us on Facebook.
