Sustainability Options

22/12/2025

🏞️Water conservation not only benefits our ecosystems, but it also saves you money and reduces strain on our local council water infrastructure.

In saying that, we know it can be tricky to keep the veggie garden growing and the lawns green in the hotter months… Don’t worry though, below are some top tips for using water wisely in your garden over summer! 🌱

For more tips, check out Tauranga City Council’s website:
https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/services/water/how-to-save-water

18/12/2025

It's that time of year! Happy holidays everyone - have a Meri Kirihimete and a great new year. 🎄🎉

Our office will be closed from the 19th of December - and we're back on Monday the 12th of January. 💚

17/12/2025

Look at these cuties in office today!

16/12/2025

💬 “It was a bit hard. I was by myself… so it was very lovely to know there’s actual people out there that really care for our people.”

We were privileged to journey with Ruby* and her tamariki, supporting her to move from an unhealthy home into a warmer, drier, safer Kāinga Ora home.

When we first met Ruby, she was dealing with mould, dampness, draughts, hospital visits for her children’s asthma, and the weight of other life challenges. Today, Ruby says:

“We’re all settled in now, and finally just moving forward.” ✨

🎥 To watch the full video, with Ruby’s story in her own words, follow this link: https://www.20degrees.org.nz/blog/post/158158/rubys-story/

*Name changed for privacy.

16/12/2025

For our December Green Drinks, we celebrated community kai resilience at the stunning premises of The Kollective - TK. ✨

🥝 🍠 Emma from the Kai Resilience Network shared her work under the Mana Kai, Mana ora strategy. This highlighted four groups, who shared their journey to a room packed with lots of initiatives happening right here in our rohe/region.

Thanks to Kai Resilience Network, The Kollective, Grow On Katikati, Veg Babies, Otumoetai Social Supermarket and The Daily. Hearing about your mahi has left us with many awesome reasons, and actions, to get growing this summer! ☀️

🌿🍷Green Drinks thanks everyone for their support for 2025. We'll see you next year!

15/12/2025

🔋Did you know that you can now give your batteries a better ending, at your local library?

Tauranga City Council has introduced free battery drop-off points at Pāpāmoa, Greerton and Mount Maunganui library.

Recycling batteries is a simple action that helps protect our environment and keeps valuable materials out of landfill.

For more information about what batteries are accepted, head to their website:
🔗 https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/services/rubbish-and-recycling/battery-recycling

11/12/2025

💵 It’s long past time for a new economic model.

“The transition we must make is undeniably huge, but growing numbers of people are working towards it, sharing, connecting and collaborating towards step changes that are building momentum. A purposeful economy is one that prioritises a fair distribution of wealth and resources and that operates within the laws of nature.

Is it possible? Yes. Is it essential? Absolutely.” 🌏

This is a snippet from an article Jo wrote, exploring the notion of a purposeful economy.

🔗 Click the link to read the full article:

By Jo Wills, Guest Writer

09/12/2025

Every now and then we pause and look back at the kind words shared by the whānau we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside.

These little moments of gratitude - from our team and from whānau - remind us why we do this mahi. They lift us, especially on the days when the pace is full on 🧡

09/12/2025

At our GreenDrinks back in October, we held a free viewing of the film ‘Recloaking the Bay’ – presented by and in collaboration with Wai Kōkopu. 🎥

📺 We are excited to let you know that the full 30-minute film is now live online for everyone to watch.

👉 https://youtu.be/uHv6uAx1AqU

This film shares the real stories of six Bay of Plenty farmers who are protecting water quality, restoring wetlands, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate-resilient, profitable farms. It follows a whole of catchment approach across the Rotorua lakes. You will see how practical on farm actions are making a real difference for our 13 lakes and coastal estuaries in the Bay of Plenty Region. 🌿 🌊

05/12/2025

🎉 We had such a great day as a team — reconnecting with our why, sharing stories, and diving into new policies together.

🎄 To top it all off, we celebrated with a festive, Christmas‑themed bowling outing — full of laughs and holiday cheer!

✨ It’s been a wonderful year of helping others and sharing our knowledge with organisations who, in turn, are making a real difference in their communities. We’re proud to play a part in that impact.

We ❤️ our mahi!

03/12/2025

📢Reminder that we’ve got our end of year GreenDrinks, on this evening.

This (free!) GreenDrinks is all about kai security, sovereignty, and resilience in the Bay of Plenty. 🥕

Want to connect with local social enterprises, and learn all about local community initiatives that are happening?

👇Then we’d love for you to come along! Register using the below Humanitix link:
https://events.humanitix.com/green-drinks-q2vku39e, or scan the QR code. 😊

This event will be held at The Kollective - TK - 145 Seventeenth Ave, Tauranga

02/12/2025

On November 15th, Jo had the privilege of presenting at the inspiring Climate Action Festival, alongside Tauranga City Council and their Emergency Management team.

Jo was excited to share her passion for creating warm, dry, and efficient homes - for healthier living and a more sustainable future.

A huge thank you to Envirohub Bay of Plenty for hosting such a fantastic event. 🌍