Reflections from the Zero Waste Hui 2026 – Christchurch
From 12–14 October, I had the privilege of attending the Zero Waste Hui at Rehua Marae in Christchurch, and I returned to Taranaki feeling inspired, energised and absolutely bursting with ideas!
As the new Zero Waste Events Programme Manager and The Junction Education Coordinator for Sustainable Taranaki, I felt it was important to connect with others working in the sector, refresh my knowledge and explore how we can continue improving the education and experiences we offer our community.
And what an eye-opener it was!
From listening to incredible keynote speakers, including Mal Williams from Zero Waste International in Wales, to learning about the fantastic work of organisations such as KaiCycle and Re.Group, every conversation offered something valuable. One of my biggest highlights was touring Selwyn District Council's version of The Junction, alongside visits to other innovative organisations doing remarkable things in the waste minimisation space.
What struck me most wasn't just the incredible work being done, but the genuine passion, generosity and willingness to share knowledge. There was no gatekeeping, no competition over ideas, just passionate people working towards a common goal and openly sharing their successes, challenges and advice. That collaborative spirit is something I absolutely love about this sector.
In early 2027, I'll be undertaking a week of mentorship and professional development to further strengthen our educational programmes, refine our tours and create a more comprehensive, engaging and meaningful experience for visitors of all ages and knowledge levels.
One thing this hui reinforced for me is that, despite being a smaller region, The Junction and Sustainable Taranaki are absolutely holding their own alongside organisations across Aotearoa. We have so much to be proud of, and it's exciting to be part of a nationwide movement creating real change.
Over the next 6–12 months, you can expect to see some exciting developments as we strengthen our education programmes, refresh our tours and find new ways to connect with our community and inspire positive action.
I came home with a notebook full of ideas, new connections and an even greater determination to make a difference.
Because ultimately, sustainability isn't just about what we know. It's about how we inspire others to act.
As Sir David Attenborough is often quoted as saying:
"Saving our planet is no longer a scientific challenge. It's a communications challenge."
And that is exactly where I intend to focus my energy.
Sunita Torrance
Zero Waste Events Programme Manager | The Junction Education Coordinator
Sustainable Taranaki
