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On a cool West Auckland morning, collectives from West Auckland Together, Le Moana West, and The West Auckland Māori Thought Leadership gathered at the new Tipping Point site, igniting a shared sense of purpose. With the presence of Waste Solutions, MPHS, and Waste Operations, the hui focused on raising awareness around a crucial goal: a sustainable, Zero Waste future for Auckland. The event was not just a meeting, but a powerful space for talanoa and creative sessions, exploring how collective leadership and collaboration can spark environmental change.
Participants reflected on "Ka Mua Ka Muri"—a whakatauki (Māori proverb) to describe the notion of “walking backwards into the future”. This metaphor captured the essence of the day: looking back to ancestral practices of mindful consumption to guide present and future actions.
As conversations unfolded, powerful reflections filled the air about the evolution of waste practices in our communities and the challenges we face today. The wisdom of ancestors—who embraced resourcefulness, upcycling, and reusing—resonated deeply throughout the hui. These ancestral practices were not just remembered but recognized as vital tools for creating a sustainable future.
The discussions touched on stark realities, such as the 1.6 million tonnes of waste sent to Auckland’s landfills annually and the environmental concerns surrounding e-waste and construction debris. The challenges were clear, but so was the message: achieving Zero Waste requires bold leadership and collective action. Para Kore (Zero Waste) principles of Rangatiratanga (leadership), Kotahitanga (unity), and Whanaungatanga (relationship-building) wove through every kōrero, emphasizing the need for communities to lead together.
Representing both Tapasā and the Le Moana West Collective, Ruta Tonumaivao, in her role as collaboration lead for Le Moana West Collective, stood at the forefront of the day’s discussions, embodying the spirit of Pasifika and Māori communities united in their mission toward a sustainable future. Her leadership was vital in bringing Le Moana West Collective as well as Tapasā’s voice to the kōrero, emphasizing the role of Pacific and Māori communities in driving the Zero Waste movement forward.
Beyond the kōrero, the hui was filled with moments of connection and collaboration. Laughter and shared kai brought participants closer, while creative activities, such as weaving a whiri (plait), symbolized collective responsibility. Each strand represented the hopes, commitments, and unity of those present, reinforcing the importance of working together to achieve a sustainable future for generations to come.
For the collectives and the wider Pasifika and Māori communities, this hui represented more than just an event—it was an opportunity. With Ruta Tonumaivao representing Tapasā and the Le Moana West Collective, the gathering underscored the potential for Pacific and Māori communities to lead the Zero Waste movement. It wasn’t just about environmental change; it was about transforming how communities live, lead, and support one another. Tapasā’s mission of intergenerational leadership and cultural sustainability found a natural home in this kaupapa.
As the hui ended, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. A waiata, led by Nat Rose, filled the space with harmony and shared vision, carrying the dreams of a waste-free Auckland into the future, where communities walk together—committed to the land and to each other.
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