Investing in kids will save waste in future

Children will learn about waste and recycling with a Sustainability Trust-run programme getting a $157,000 grant from the Government’s Waste Minimisation Fund, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.

The Minister also announced $100,000 for Environment Hubs Aotearoa from the Community Environment Fund.

“The Sustainability Trust’s new “Your Sustainable School” programme will improve waste and recycling infrastructure at primary schools in the Wellington region, and help the whole school community develop a zero-waste culture,” Eugenie Sage said.

“Across New Zealand schools send a significant amount of waste to landfill. Engaging school communities with ideas like recycling and composting will empower children to make good choices that benefit the environment.

“Investing in our children so they develop an understanding of the environment while they are at school will be good for them and New Zealand in the long run.”

The Sustainability Trust is a member of the Environment Hubs Aotearoa network which is to benefit from $100,000 through the Community Environment Fund. The money will include developing a national impact reporting framework for the network, based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“This project will provide clear insights on the collective impact that New Zealand’s environment centres are having in achieving the UN goals, demonstrating how local communities can connect with global issues and make a measurable difference.

“Environment centres do wonderful work with communities throughout New Zealand, and we need to tell their stories more, including the overall impact they are having.

“The Community Environment Fund exists to help New Zealanders take environmental action, and I am pleased it is being used to help connect local community action with global sustainability outcomes”.

For more information:

Waste Minimisation Fund; Community Environment Fund; Environment Hubs Aotearoa; Sustainability Trust’s Your Sustainable School programme

Latest Environment Announcements

Story

$30m for school drinking water safety is a start but pollution keeps flowing

The Green Party is welcoming Government investment of $30m into school drinking water following their questions on the issue, but warns rural commu...
Read More

Story

“End of an era” as Government law change disestablishes Ministry for the Environment

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment, following the law change required to scrap the...
Read More

Story

NZ democracy at risk of corporate corruption - Green Party backs urgent inquiry

Allegations that the Prime Minister’s office withheld information about backroom lobbying by major climate polluters - ahead of legislating to prev...
Read More

Story

Action needed on widespread drinking water problems

The Green Party says while it is relieved the cause of the recent 'boil water' notice in Auckland was easily addressed, more action is needed to de...
Read More

Story

9,000 students faced unsafe drinking water at school last year

The Green Party has released data showing 9000 students across more than 70 schools and pre-schools faced unsafe drinking water in 2025, with water...
Read More

Story

Fast-track Decision Looms on Destructive Waitaha Hydro Scheme

The Green Party says the Fast Track expert panel should turn down the previously declined ‘Waitaha Hydro’ project, which if approved will destroy a...
Read More

Latest Waste Announcements

Story

Opportunity to build a more sustainable economy

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumer...
Read More

Story

Greens welcome waste strategy release and work

The Green Party is today welcoming the release of the Government’s waste strategy, but says it has a big gap without action on the container return...
Read More

Story

Container return scheme will benefit recycling and the oceans

The work Green Ministers did last term is continuing to make a difference, with the announcement today that the Government is planning to introduce...
Read More

Story

Waste strategy needs to learn from nature

Anything less than a transformational national waste strategy and waste legislation will not be enough, the Green Party said today.
Read More

Story

Greens welcome progress on hard to recycle and single use plastics, but more needs to be done

The Green Party welcomes progress on the phase-out of some hard to recycle plastics and some single-use plastics, but says more must be done.
Read More

Story

More action on waste – Government funds recycling infrastructure, moves to standardise kerbside collections

$36.7m Government investment in high-tech recycling plants nationwide Plan to standardise and improve the nation’s kerbside collections As part o...
Read More