The Waste Minimisation Seed Fund is open until 26 October, with up to $25,000 available for waste-busting projects that will help Pōneke reduce waste and protect our resources and taiao (environment).
Previous recipients include the Sustainability Trust, who have received funding to help launch and develop RepairED – a programme that aims to strengthen the network of repairers in Wellington and upskill communities in the repair of clothing, textiles, small appliances, and electronics.
Since 2021 the Sustainability Trust have coordinated around 50 skilled volunteers and worked with organisations like Hopper Home, MakeRoom, Tip Shop, and Repair Cafe Aotearoa to run workshops attended by nearly 400 people.
368 items were fixed, like heaters, lamps, speakers and treasured garments.
By repairing items, 2200kg of CO2 emissions were prevented, which is the equivalent of watching 1905 days of TV non-stop, or 452kg of waste prevented.
Kim Tabrum from the Sustainability Trust says the programme has had great feedback from the community.
“The community has been so positive. The workshops have been a place to be social and learn while folks’ much-loved items are repaired”.