Having
nothing to show for its efforts,
is the best possible outcome for the
innovative Para Kore programme,
which works with local marae to
achieve zero waste. Since 2008, Para
Kore has been pursuing its goal of all
marae in Aotearoa being without waste
by 2020.
Project manager Jacqui Forbes says, “Para
Kore is very much grounded in traditional
Maori beliefs of caring for Papatuanuku
and Ranginui: riro taonga mai, hoki taonga
atu – we receive valuable resources from
Papatuanuku, we return valuable resources
to her.”
Originally piloted on three marae in the
central Waikato area, Para Kore has since
provided waste minimisation education,
services and support to over 25 marae.
Another 50 marae are expected to take part
in Para Kore over the next three years, with
marae as far afield as Ohakune, Nelson,
Tuwharetoa and Te Teko expressing an
interest in coming on board.
Jacqui says, “Marae are really enthusiastic
about the programme. They embrace its
environmental values and it saves them
money too. We’re seeing situations where
marae now put out a couple of bags for
collection following a major hui, whereas in
the past there would have been whole
ute-loads of rubbish going to the dump
every day.”
“Hundreds of people are being educated
and supported to change their behaviour
– from putting waste all in the same bag,
to sorting it all out – so that as little as
possible is sent to landfill, and as much as
possible is either recycled or composted.”
Another positive aspect of the programme
is that it gains support as it goes. Several
marae waste champions have become
so enthused about zero waste they have
trained as Para Kore advisors, and now
deliver the programme at other marae.
Trust Waikato donated $10,000 to Para
Kore in 2011 so that it could keep on with
its essential work in our region.
Marae are really
enthusiastic about
the programme
Para Kore
Marae
D o n a t i o n S t o r i e s
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