Parakore

Friday 02 December 2011: Para Kore Weekend Wananga ki Poihakena

A very successful first Para Kore weekend with over 30 representatives from Tuwharetoa, Whakatane, Taranaki, Ngaruawahia, Huntly and Raglan. They were fully engaged with the kaupapa and the weekend’s activities, which included site tours to Solscape, Xtreme Waste, Kaiwhenua and a worm composting toilet. The weekend was an exciting start towards moving Para Kore into other regions. Kani cooked local, organic kai within the zero waste philosophy and Juan filmed our weekend. Tēnā rawa atu koutou!

Saturday 12 November 2011: Okaeria Marae

Pine presented Para Kore to the marae committee. The whānau were very interested in supporting the kaupapa as Okaeria Marae has gone through a major renovation which included a new dining room and an upgrade of the wharenui. Topics discussed included, the history of Para Kore, how many marae in the kaupapa and who they are, the vision for 2020 all marae in Aotearoa minimizing waste, landfills, what Para Kore offers - signage, crates, wheelie bins, composting, worm farms, wananga, education, the MOU and waste audits.

Thursday 03 November 2011: Presentation to Community Recycling Network Hui, Tapuranga Marae, Wellington

Jacqui presented to those from community organisations throughout the country about the Para Kore project. Emma Bonner, Para Kore’s contact within the Ministry for the Environment was present and shortly after, Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith spoke to the conference and announced Para Kore’s successful application to the Waste Minimisation Fund.

Friday 28 October 2011: Hauraki Festival

Para Kore was invited to hold a stall at the festival. Friday began with a powhiri followed by primary school group performances. Our stall was in the dining area beside the Hauraki Trust Board and the Mana Party. We attracted alot of interest from whanau who were dining or waiting for performances to end. On Saturday, Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki were also in the dining area and were keen on the Para Kore concept as it supports their work in the local community. There were a lot more whānau at this day as it was for secondary schools and pakeke.

Tuesday 25 October 2011: Maketu Waste Audit

Richmond, Niki and Jacqui undertook a waste audit with waste from the National Weaving Hui held at Maketu Marae over Labour Weekend. The results were impressive, showing that they are diverting 87% of their waste from landfill. Of the 13% that they send to landfill, 82% of that is compostable and 1% is recyclable. There was only one can, and a few plastic containers in the rubbish bags we audited. The compostable materials were dirty paper, food scraps and cooked bones. We also came across a $10 note!

Saturday 22 October 2011: Maniapoto Games, Centennial Park & Te Kuiti Pa

Richmondand Hinemoa set-up with gazebo, display boards & flags. Richmond drove around and put recycling crates next to the rubbish bins near the stalls. Richmond talked to the stallholders and let them know he was setting up recycling systems. The fields were massive and therefore crates were not put out next to the rubbish bins. Instead Richmond used clear liners and went through the rubbish bins in the fields taking out the recyclables. A great opportunity to spread the Para Kore kaupapa to the Maniapoto iwi.

Sunday 02 October 2011: Presentation to Ngatira Marae Committee

Their hui was paused so that Para Kore could speak. I presented and questions were taken. It was extremely useful to have already rung around and ascertained the options for them, so they could make a decision to become involved knowing that they would have to drop the recycling off themselves. Ngatira Marae has a caretaker and there are people living around the marae. The pig system hasn’t been working lately and cats and rats have been getting into the food scraps. They are therefore interested in knowing more about worm farming and composting. The MoU was signed at the hui and they are keen to get the bins and crates into place hopefully during the school holidays before their Poukai, on the 5th November. We had a cup of tea over at Sandra’s. He iwi mahana, he iwi manaaki.

Sunday 02 October 2011: Presentation to Mangatangi Marae, Te Kauwhata

Pine firstly talked with Matua Dick Cooper who is the kaitiaki of the marae about the kaupapa. Dick then took Pine over to the marae committee meeting to present. There were some questions from the whānau about the commitment of the wider whānau to recycling on the marae. After some discussions it was decided that the marae would support the Para Kore kaupapa. A MoU was emailed along with a report to the committee.

Sunday 02 October 2011: Presentation to Te Kopua Marae, Te Awamutu

Carol presented to the whānau of Te Kopua Marae. It is unsure whether Para Kore can be of assistance as the whānau all live some considerable distance from the marae and their policy is that those using the marae remove all rubbish when they leave. The closest drop-off point is in Te Awamutu.

Thursday 22 September 2011: Trip to Tamaki-makau-rau, Wormrus, Living Earth & Penrose Paper Mill

Representatives from Para Kore, Xtreme Waste, University of Waikato, Waikato Environment Centre and Waikato Regional Council visited Wormrus first where we were hosted by Colin. His company has been bought out by Ecostock who collect and process packaged foods into feedstock for cattle. Wormrus are in a transition period, still developing to eventually process food coming from Ecostock. Colin showed us how he packages the worms and their various worm-farms. Living Earth gave us a presentation on Christchurch's organic waste system which involves kerbside collections of greenwaste and foodwaste mixed. Unfortunately, their 2 year old site was damaged by the Earthquake. Mark Bolton, Full Circle gave us a tour of the Penrose Paper Mill. Totally amazing! A very informative and educational day!

Saturday 17 September 2011: Paeahi Marae Committee Presentation

We arrived during a pōwhiri for an unveiling. After the pōwhiri we presented to the marae committee. Some of the whānau had worked in the waste industry and knew the issues pertaining to recyclable materials. We discussed how the materials would get to a recycling centre, the education required for the whānau to use recycling systems successfully and the upcoming Hauraki Festival.

Wednesday 17 August 2011: Para Kore Stall, Expo Tent, Koroneihana, Turangawaewae Marae

Jacqui and Richmond manned a stall, Wednesday through to Friday at the Coronation. The expo tent was quieter than last year, but still many great contacts were made with many marae registering their interest. MfE was in the expo tent too, so it was a great to be able to show Alex around some parts of Turangawaewae.

Wednesday 17 August 2011: Para Kore Recycling Systems at Koroneihana, Turangawaewae Marae

This year, 60 litre crates were used beside the rubbish wheelie bins throughout the marae grounds and across the road at the food court. This system worked well as we could easily tip the rubbish that was in the crates back into the wheelie bins, ensuring the crates only had recyclables in them, thereby giving visual info to the users about what is recyclable and what isn’t. Recycling in the kitchen went well too with a total of over 9 cubic metres diverted. We learnt a lot and we are looking forward to diverting even more resources from landfill next year, hopefully by introducing compostable cups, plates and cutlery.

Sunday 14 August 2011: Presentation to Tirohia Marae, Paeroa

Jacqui and Carol presented to the marae committee, and it was also an opportunity to present to Josie and Alice Anderson who work for the Hauraki Māori Trust Board. After the presentation we were then invited to stay for lunch. Their marae is situated next to a landfill also called Tirohia. They opposed the landfill (it opened in 2000) so they said it makes sense for them to do Para Kore. They have just completed their business plan for the year and Alice said they want to include Para Kore. Carol is from this marae/rohe.

Tuesday 02 August 2011: Presentation to Waahi Paa

Jacqui and Carol updated the marae committee on what involvement the pa has had with Para Kore over the last year. We also outlined to them that there were no service providers willing to service their marae, meaning their only option was to transport the recyclables themselves to the Huntly Transfer Station. New marae champions put their names forward to support Tracey and a new MoU was signed by the committee.

Tuesday 28 June 2011: Visit with Waipa District Council & Sustainable Cambridge to Pohara and Maungatautari Marae

Jacqui Forbes (Para Kore), Sandra des Forges from (WDC) and Jenny, Chris and Peter from Sustainable Cambridge were honoured and privileged to visit Maungatautari and Pohara Marae. We were shown their recycling systems, including Bokashi. Both Wiki and Poto, showed us around their marae, sharing with us stories and history and plans for the future to further reduce waste.

Saturday 25 June 2011: Presentation to Hauraki Marae Forum, Te Pai o Hauraki Marae, Paeroa

At the invitation of Pat Nathan of the Hauraki Maori Trust Board, Carol Henry introduced the Para Kore kaupapa to kaumatua of Hauraki at Te Pae o Hauraki Marae, Paeroa. Many of the marae in the region are encouraging the creation of mara kai and on viewing our presentation, they were excited by the attributes that the Para Kore programme promotes. The Hauraki festival is fast approaching and this event may provide an opportunity to spread the Para Kore message.

Sunday 19 June 2011: Whanau Ora Day at Poihakena Marae, Whaingaroa / Raglan

Jacqui and Richmond set up a big Para Kore stand on a windy and sometimes rainy day at Poihakena Marae. Regardless of the weather there were plenty of people and spirits were high. There were many different groups with stands all relating to health and well-being. Karaoke in the afternoon on the mahau was a real hit, with plenty of prizes available. It was a good opportunity for Para Kore to showcase not only out the front of the marae, but out the back too with Poihakena's signage and containers working well for everyone to see and use.

Saturday 04 June 2011: Presentation to Te Kaharoa Marae (Aramiro), Waitetuna, Raglan

Jacqui and Richmond presented Para Kore to Te Kaharoa's Marae Committee. They were very interested and we discussed how their recycling could be picked up from their marae. Jacqui is discussing with Xtreme Waste possible options. Its very difficult when marae are considerable distance from recycling services. If this can be sorted then Aramiro are keen to be involved.

Wednesday 01 June 2011: Submission to Waikato District Council Annual Plan, Ngaruawahia

Jacqui gave a 10 minute submission to Waikato District Council's councillors requesting $13,000 to implement Para Kore on two marae within their district this coming financial year. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful with this submission. Next year!

Monday 30 May 2011: Te Kōhao Health, Kirikiriroa Marae

Pine met with staff to update them on the latest in regards to the recycling set-up. They discussed Whangamarino (Hampton Downs), landfills, leachate, stage 2 of the Action Plan, gardens, Bokashi, composting and worm farms. We also did some education around identifying plastic 1s & 2s and some tricks on how to wash and squash plastics, cans and cardboard to save space in the recycling bins within the cage. The next stage is paper recycling boxes for the offices.

Sunday 22 May 2011: Waste Audit and Set-up ki Te Tokanganui a Noho, Te Kuiti

There had been an unveiling at the marae over the weekend which allowed us to audit the waste from the 1.5 m bin supplied by Supa Bins owned by Envirowaste which is emptied Monday mornings at the local landfill. The bin was full so we audited 50% of the contents in the bin. There were a lot of beer bottles, plastic fizzy bottles and paper from the tables. Results found that 88% of their waste was either compostable or recyclable with only 12% needing to go to landfill.

Thursday 21 April 2011: Bokashi and Worm Farming

Some marae are using Bokashi wheelie bins to dispose of their food waste. Bokashi is an 'effective microorganism', it looks a bit like sawdust and is sprinkled onto food waste. Bokashi reduces the volume of the food waste, it reduces odours and it speeds up decomposition. After a period of time, the wheelie bin of food waste is dug into gardens, providing a nutrient rich compost. Para Kore has access to these specially designed wheelie bins, please contact Pine or Jacqui if you would like to trial this process. Other marae are keen to try large scale worm-farming. The great thing about worm farming is that those precious worms will not only eat up all the food waste, but they love wet paper towels as well.

Wednesday 20 April 2011: New “How to Recycle” Signage

Para Kore now has new signage for marae. A 'How to Recycle/Me Penei te Hangarua' sign, a bokashi sign and signs specifically designed for the wall above recycling wheelie bins are available to marae. Please contact us if you would like these.

Wednesday 13 April 2011: MfE visit Para Kore

On another sunny day in Raglan, Jacqui hosted Amanda Turner, Emma and Steve Long from the Ministry for the Environmnent at Xtreme Waste. They were given a quick site tour and then shown a powerpoint in the new education space at Xtreme Waste. It was a great opportunity to sit and talk with Amanda, Emma and Steve about the project. We are very grateful for the Ministry for the Environment's support of the Para Kore project.

Monday 04 April 2011: 4th April 2011: Presentation ki Rukumoana Marae

Jacqui and Carol presented to a large group at the Rukumoana MaraeCommittee meeting on a Monday late afternoon. There were questions and discussions about where the materials would go to and how long it would take to get the systems in place. Jacqui and Carol shared that althought the Para Kore programme is provided free to marae, it does require extra work for the kitchen crew.

Sunday 20 March 2011: Te Tokanganui-a-noho Marae, Te Kuiti

Jacqui and Carol presented Para Kore to the marae committee of Te Tokanganui-a-noho Marae in Te Kuiti on a sunny Sunday. Vanessa Smith contacted Para Kore later in the next week to confirm that they would like to implement the Para Kore programme on their marae.

Wednesday 16 March 2011: Waingaro Marae, Te Akau

Jacqui and Richmond presented Para Kore to Waingaro's Marae Committee on a Wednesday evening. Richmond shared his first hand experience of what makes it work on a marae, from his experience as Para Kore rep at Poihakena Marae in Whaingaroa.

Sunday 13 March 2011: Waste Audit ki Maungatautari Marae

Pine and Poto Davies together undertook a waste audit for Maungatautari Marae. The results found that: 14% of the waste was plastics, glass, tin and aluminium; 38% was foodwaste; 23% paper recyclable / compostable and cardboard and; over 24% was waste to landfill. With increased use and understanding of the available systems Maungatautari has the potential to divert 52% (plastics, tins glass & foodwaste), and with further research and development of worm farms 23% could be diverted, illustrating how a further 75% could be diverted from landfill. The waste audit was undertaken from waste generated by a school group visiting for the weekend. The waste audit reflects how even though recycling systems may be in place and working well there is very often still massive potential to move closer to the goal of ParaKore / Zero Waste.

Monday 21 February 2011: Waikato Tainui, Hopuhopu

Jacqui presented to Marae Tukere and Eric Pene from the Tribal Development Unit about the Para Kore programme. Para Kore is operating in 8 marae which belong to Te Kauhanganui, a collective of marae within Waikato Tainui, Marae and Eric were wholly supportive of the programme and being a financially contributing partner in the application to the WMF. Their funding is pending confirmation.

Sunday 13 February 2011: Ngā Tai e Rua Marae, Tuakau

Pine and Jacqui presented Para Kore to the marae committee and whānau of Ngā Tai e Rua. They responded at the end of the presentation affirming they would like to be part of the programme and nominated a marae champion. Some of the whānau talked about visiting Orakei and seeing their recycling and composting initiatives in action. There are many working bees before the Poukai, so this would be a good time for Pine to return to find out more about what's happening and to start discussing what the options are for further reducing waste at Ngā Tai e Rua.

Sunday 06 February 2011: Waitangi Day Celebrations, Common Innes, Hamilton

Pine and Rohatai had the gazebo up promoting Para Kore (and Te Ataarangi) at the Waitangi Day concert held next to the lake in Hamilton.

Tuesday 01 February 2011: Waikato District Council, Ngaruawahia

Jacqui and Marianna presented Para Kore to the Water and Facilities Committee of WDC. The presentation was generally well received with some councillors speaking in support and asking questions. Feedback given to Para Kore was to submit a submission to the annual plan requesting financial support.

Monday 13 December 2010: Waikato District Council, Ngaruawahia

Jacqui presented Para Kore to Shane Solomon, Iwi and Community Partnership Manager at Waikato District Council. Shane noted that it would be a good approach to get Para Kore on the annual planning list. Councillor Solomon suggested we present to all of the councillors. Richard Bax is arranging this for Para Kore at either the Feb or March council meeting in 2011.

Wednesday 24 November 2010: Waahi Paa Marae - Workshop

A group of rangatahi came to Xtreme Waste to learn about waste minimisation. Firstly Rachael Goddard went through her powerpoint about plastics and landfills. Then Jacqui took the group for a tour of Xtreme Waste, explaining the benefits of community managing their own waste. The tour covered Kaahu's nest, the reuse shop, different plastics and numbers, processing and baling, worm-farming and metals. We finished by looking at where to from here for Waahi Paa Marae.

Monday 22 November 2010: Waikato District Council, Ngaruawahia

Jacqui presented Para Kore to Richard, Lou, Paul and Jodi of Waikato District Council. Para Kore was well received with discussions about the pick-up of recyclables for some marae, about council budgets and about how to support Para Kore. Jacqui will present to WDC councillors early next year.

Sunday 21 November 2010: Te Iti o Haua (Tauwhare) Marae, Hamilton

Carol and Jacqui presented Para Kore to a very supportive and positive whānau group at the Tauwhare Marae Committee meeting. One woman spoke in support about how she had seen Para Kore operating at Maketu Marae in Kawhia. Lance, the chair responded after a few days that Te Iti o Haua Marae would like to put in place sustainable waste management systems.

Saturday 20 November 2010: Te Rangihouhiri Marae, Matakana Island

Carol and Pine were welcomed with a powhiri and after a kai they were shown around the marae. The presentation and wananga (workshop) was held in the wharekai (Pukai). After Pine presented, the whanau outlined what was happening currently with their waste. Workshop activities included, a recycling card game and exploring alternatives including composting, worm-farming and bokashi. Bins were set up for them to use, with explanations about what can be recycled and how to recycle.

Friday 19 November 2010: Waikato and Bay of Plenty Waste Liaison Meeting @ Environment Waikato

Jacqui presented Para Kore to a large group of council staff from Waikato, Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Gisbourne. It was great to present to so many different regions, and it was another opportunity to reconnect with people that Para Kore had been talking with at Wasteminz.

Friday 22 October 2010: Holistic Health Day at Kirikiriroa Marae, Hamilton

Approximately 300 people attended the Whanau Ora Day at Kirikiriroa Marae. There were stalls from many Government agencies, including health providers to educate and support the 'whanau ora' concept. Para Kore also had a presence at the day with Pine running a bokashi workshop and educating the whanau about the health benefits of zero waste. Pine also helped out managing the resources [waste] ensuring as little as possible went to landfill. Para Kore instigated the use of compostable paper cups for both hot and cold refreshments.

Thursday 21 October 2010: Waste Advisor Training: Hampton Downs, Replas & Paper Reclaim

Pine Campbell, Richmond Whitiora, Niki Maniapoto and Koko Whitiora (Para Kore Waste Advisors) went on a training day held by Xtreme Waste to Hampton Downs (North Waikato), Replas (Pakuranga) and Paper Reclaim (Penrose). At Hampton Downs they were given a tour all about the different stages (7 stages each lasting 5 years), the amount of trucks arriving each day (100) and the amount of tonnes the landfill takes on a monthly basis (50,000). Water monitoring systems were also explained. At Replas, a plastic recycling plant, a tour was given explaining how the milk bottles are turned into new products. At Paper Reclaim where all of Xtreme's products go they were given a tour.

Wednesday 13 October 2010: Wasteminz Conference, Skycity Conference Centre

On Thursday 14^th October, Jacqui presented Para Kore at Wasteminz, explaining the primary objectives, pilot project results, the methodology for setting up Para Kore on a marae, benefits and how we are planning to roll this project out nationally which was well received by territorial authorities, industry and community. Having a presence at Wasteminz, displaying the stand-up banner, flag and brochures ensured the Para Kore brand was exposed and discussed with many. Many contacts were made with councils regarding how to set up Para Kore in their districts. As has always been the case there was a positive support for the project from those at the conference.

Saturday 02 October 2010: Wananga ki Maungatautari Marae

Approximately 30 people in attendance from Ngati Koroki Kahukura & Ngati Haua representing Maungatautari and Pohara Marae. This was a weekend wananga to get the whanau prepared for the world rowing champs, in which Para Kore, represented by Pine and Carol were invited to run interactive waste workshops.

Saturday 11 September 2010: Envirohui at Pikitu Marae

Pikitu Marae and Waikato Environment Centre organised an 'Envirohui' and invited many different agencies including Environment Waikato, Biodiversity Forum, Rachael Goddard and Para Kore. This day included a wide range of workshops on many topics with all of the morning focussing on waste [resources]. Jacqui and Rachael both presented with powerpoints, you tube videos, a waste audit, worm-farming info and other various activities. Ko te hiahia kia tu tetahi atu wananga hei awhina i a Pikitu ki te hanga pamu noke me te puwairakau.

Tuesday 07 September 2010: Presentation to Waahi Paa Marae Committee

Jacqui and Carol presented Para Kore with powerpoint to Waahi Pa Marae Committee, and then answered questions from the whanau. The rangatahi spoke highly of the workshop held at Rakaunui Marae, reiterating that this was a kaupapa that they would like to implement and support. The marae were in agreement about the benefits of the project. The rangatahi group put out a challenge that Para Kore systems were put in place before the Poukai on 8^th October.

Panui