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: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16% Hmm, maybe?
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10.8% Yes!
Give Music a Go, Summer Holiday Music Programme
The Taranaki School of Music is holding a fun and interactive School Holiday Music Programme in New Plymouth next month.
Discover the joy of music with lots of musical activities and try out different music instruments with professional tutors. This is aimed at 7 - 13 year age groups. Held in the mornings of 19- 21 st. January 2026 at the City Life Church.
Cost $90 for 3 sessions. Limited financial assistance available.
For information, registration, contact Jocelyn Beath, 021 144 1681, joc.beath@xtra.co.nz.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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