What is Sustainable Taranaki all about??
Have you heard their name before?
There are many arms to Sustainable Taranaki firstly they are a Not-for-Profit Organisation or as I like to say For Purpose – and today this column will focus on just one of those Nature Clean Ups
What are their key objectives
• Empowering the local community: not only leading cleanups but also supporting local groups and hapū to run their own events
• Discussing and educating about waste issues in Aotearoa New Zealand: including impact of littering, how to reduce waste, recycling...
• Encouraging people and businesses to take ownership of the protection of their local taiao (environment)
• Bringing people together and building connections in the community
• Inviting people to stay active while protecting our environment and giving back to their community
• Exploring different parts of Taranaki
Restoring Our Coastlines: Sustainable Taranaki's Nature and Beach Cleanups
Taranaki's natural beauty is one of its greatest treasures, but maintaining it requires collective effort. Sustainable Taranaki's Nature and Beach Cleanups program exemplifies community-driven environmental stewardship, bringing together volunteers to protect and rejuvenate our local landscapes.
Community Engagement and Environmental Impact
Since its inception, the Nature and Beach Cleanups initiative has mobilized hundreds of volunteers across the region. In 2024 alone, 194 participants collected over 2,175 liters of rubbish, with 48% diverted from landfills through recycling and upcycling efforts. These cleanups not only remove waste but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for our environment.
From April 2023 – April 2025 Taranaki Nature Clean Ups involved 566 Volunteers and 891 hours spent collecting 7,465 litres of rubbish - of which there was 47% diverted from landfill and 60.5 kilometers cleaned.
Collaborative Efforts and Local Partnerships
Sustainable Taranaki collaborates with various local organizations and businesses to enhance the effectiveness of their cleanups. Events like the Waitara Beach cleanup have seen support from local artists and zero-waste educators, enriching the experience for volunteers and emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation.
How to Get Involved
Residents interested in participating can find upcoming events and volunteer opportunities on Sustainable Taranaki's website. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to contribute to the well-being of our natural surroundings. If you have an area that you are passionate about and would like to promote and would like support with (equipment, contacts, communication) to do that then then either check out the Sustainable Taranaki website or contact Volunteering New Plymouth to help with details
Where can you learn more? If you are keen to learn more about Sustainable Taranaki, a Volly Voice session is aired on Access Radio on Sunday at 2pm. This show is also available by going to the either Access Radio Taranaki website, these recordings can be found under Community and scroll down to Volly Voices or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls and there will be a link to the podcast
Who can you contact?
If this sounds interesting to you then contact us at Volunteering New Plymouth by emailing Wendy at admin@vnp.nz
If you do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy by phoning 06 758 8986 or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 for more information.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Silent Auction
Red Cross New Plymouth 18 Gover st have amazing items in our silent auction a PlayStation One, antique vase, clock, model helicopter that flies, mahjong set, pink impression glass bowls put your best bid in. Closes Saturday 13th December at 3.00pm. We are open 7 days
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