Agenda of Canterbury Waste Joint Committee

5. Report on 2024/25 CWJC Waste Minimisation Fund Projects
Reference Te Tohutoro:	25/1461817
Responsible Officer(s) Te Pou Matua:	Veronica da Costa Sousa, Regional Waste Projects Facilitator
Accountable ELT Member Pouwhakarae:	Brent Smith, General Manager City Infrastructure

1. Purpose and Origin of the Report Te Pūtake Pūrongo

1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with information about how the money allocated to the 2024/25 funded projects has been used.

1.2 This report is staff-generated.

2. Officer Recommendations Ngā Tūtohu

That the Canterbury Waste Joint Committee:

1. Receives the information in the Report on 2024/25 CWJC Waste Minimisation Fund Projects Report.

3. Background/Context Te Horopaki

3.1 For the financial year 2024/25, the Committee approved the projects in Table 1. Applicants were required to report back on spending and activities by June 2025.

Table 1 - Funding approved for the 2024/25 round of the contestable CWJC Waste Minimisation Fund

Applicant	Projects	Requested Funds	Funding Granted 2024-25
Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery - Climate Action Campus	Trash 2 Treasure	$ 8,220	$ 5,000.00
Naylor Love Canterbury Project 1	Repurposing redundant truck curtains	$ 12,375.00	$ 10,000.00
Naylor Love Canterbury Project 2	Subcontractor waste awareness	$ 4,950.00	$ 3,000.00
Halswell Menzshed Trust	Timber Diversion	$ 11,613.00	$ 5,000.00
Digital Future Aotearoa	Laptop Repair Workshops	$ 20,000.00	$ 20,000.00
All Heart NZ Charitable Trust	Corporate and construction resource recovery	$ 50,000.00	$ 25,000.00
Waste-Ed with Kate Ltd	Waste-free period programme	$ 59,095.74	$ 30,000.00
Without Waste Ltd.	Rewashable serviceware systems establishment	$ 27,038.00	$ 14,000.00
Total		$193,291.74	$ 112,00.00

4. Considerations Ngā Whai Whakaaro

4.1 The End-of-project report is currently structured based on the following key questions:

· Confirmation of how much of the grant allocated was spent to date, or when it will be spent.

· If or when the project was or will be completed.

· The aims/objectives when applied for in 2024.

· The achievements and learning points of the project.

· ‘Obstacles’ encountered, and any suggestions for others to learn from.

4.2 The final report for each project granted in 2024/25 received via CWJC email will be attached to this report.

4.3 Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery/ Climate Action Campus - Trash 2 Treasure Project

4.3.1 This initiative diverts clean Batts offcuts and construction waste to community groups and the public, using a staffed collection site at the Climate Action Campus to reduce landfill waste and emissions.

4.3.2 The organisation was granted funding for fencing, an enclosed storage area, and site management, which was completed successfully.

4.3.3 The full report is available in Attachment A.

4.4 Naylor Love Canterbury - Repurposing redundant truck curtains

4.4.1 This project goal is to divert plastic waste from landfills by repurposing truck curtains to replace single-use plastic timber covers. The group is aiming to assess the environmental and financial impact of this initiative for over a 1-year trial.

4.4.2 The implementation was delayed due to procurement, site searching, and industry slowdown, but is aiming for completion by the end of the 2026 financial year.

4.4.3 The full report is available in Attachment B.

4.5 Naylor Love Canterbury - Subcontractor waste awareness sessions

4.5.1 This project raises awareness among construction subcontractors regarding the industry's landfill impact, promotes sustainability initiatives, offers practical solutions to the sector, and encourages behaviour change.

4.5.2 The organisation was granted funding to hold subcontractor awareness sessions, and they have completed two on the 15th and 16th of May.

4.5.3 The full report is available in Attachment C.

4.6 Halswell Menzshed Trust - Timber diversion

4.6.1 This initiative collects timber, including pallets and packaging, for reuse in community projects.

4.6.2 The group was granted funding to improve the efficiency and output of plywood/timber recovery through better storage, dismantling capacity, and weather protection, which they have successfully achieved.

4.6.3 The full report is available in Attachment D.

4.7 Digital Future Aotearoa - Laptop Repair Workshops

4.7.1 This project diverts laptops from waste, refurbishes them for young people in need, teaches repair skills, and promotes e-waste reduction, sustainable consumption, and digital equity.

4.7.2 The project was granted funding to maintain its current activities across Canterbury and possibly enable expansion into Northern Canterbury, which was achieved through operations in Ashburton.

4.7.3 The full report is available in Attachment E.

4.8 All Heart NZ Charitable Trust - Corporate and construction resource recovery

4.8.1 This initiative goal is to improve corporate sustainability by diverting resources from landfills in the Canterbury region by developing people through All Heart Stores.

4.8.2 The organisation was granted funding to expand its presence and partnerships in Canterbury and establish the All Heart Store Christchurch as a regional hub.

4.8.3 The goals have been achieved, with positive engagement within the sector. The full report is available in Attachment F.

4.9 Waste-Ed with Kate Ltd - Waste free period programme

4.9.1 The programme educates students and staff of secondary schools in Canterbury on reusable product options and provides free reusable products for participants to encourage long-term waste reduction habits.

4.9.2 The organisation was granted funding to run the programme described above, promoting reusable menstrual products to combat the impacts of single-use menstrual products, while destigmatising menstruation.

4.9.3 The programme had a positive outcome and high regional reach. The full report is available in Attachment G.

4.10 Without Waste Ltd - Rewashable serviceware systems establishment

4.10.1 This project goal is to remove significant amounts of packaging, bin overflow, and contamination in events.

4.10.2 The group was granted funding to complete to quantify the true cost of a reusable system, including transport and labour, study feasibility through Reusable Crockery Trials, identify infrastructure gaps, and build a wash directory.

4.10.3 The feasibility study was completed, and they concluded that public support during the trial indicated the value of their initiative. The full report is available in Attachment H.

Attachments Ngā Tāpirihanga

No.	Title	Reference	Page
a ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Trash 2 Treasure	25/1461973	15
b ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Reusable Timber Transport Covers	25/1461976	16
c ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Subcontractor waste awareness sessions	25/1461977	17
d ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Timber Diversion	25/1461978	19
e ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Laptop Repair Workshops	25/1461980	26
f ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Corporate and Construction Resource Recovery	25/1480646	27
g ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Waste Free Period Programme	25/1461984	30
h ⇩	End-of-Project Report - Rewashable Serviceware systems establishment	25/1461985	45

In addition to the attached documents, the following background information is available:

Document Name – Location / File Link

Not applicable

Signatories Ngā Kaiwaitohu

Author

Veronica da Costa Sousa - Regional Waste Projects Facilitator

Approved By

Alec McNeil - Manager Resource Recovery

Lynette Ellis - Head of Transport & Waste Management

6. Recommended Projects for the 2025/26 Waste Minimisation Grant Funding
Reference Te Tohutoro:	25/1462738
Responsible Officer(s) Te Pou Matua:	Veronica da Costa Sousa, Regional Waste Projects Facilitator
Accountable ELT Member Pouwhakarae:	Brent Smith, General Manager City Infrastructure

1. Purpose and Origin of the Report Te Pūtake Pūrongo

1.1 The purpose of this report is for the Canterbury Waste Joint Committee to consider the recommendations for grant allocations from the regional waste minimisation fund for 2025/256

1.2 The report is staff-generated.

2. Officer Recommendations Ngā Tūtohu

That the Canterbury Waste Joint Committee:

1. Receives the information in the Recommended Projects for the 2025/26 Waste Minimisation Grant Funding Report.

2. Considers the funding applications and approves grants from the regional waste minimisation fund for 2025/26 as outlined in the following schedule.

Applicant	Project Name	Recommendation
Little River School	Reduce, Reduce!	$ 1,282.00
Kairos Food Rescue	Scaling Impact through Sustainable Food Rescue and Recovery	$ 20,000.00
Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi/Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery	Trash to Treasure	$ 7,850.00
Spout Alternatives Limited	Spout Milk on Tap - Canterbury - Reusable Kegs and Pump System	$ 12,000.00
University of Canterbury	Reducing and Repurposing 3D Printer Waste	$ 27,532.00
Waste-Ed With Kate Limited	Sustainable Comfort: Reusable Solutions for Aged Care	$ 43,000.00
Twin Needle Limited	Fabric Recycling	$ 4,836.00

3. Notes that the decision in this report is assessed as low significance based on the Christchurch City Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

3. Executive Summary Te Whakarāpopoto Matua

3.1 The Waste Minimisation Grant received a total of 22 submissions for the 2025/26 round.

3.2 The Staff Group assessed 22 applications for funding against the agreed criteria. Each application is attached, and a summary of the project's description is also available in Table 1. The Staff Group consolidated feedback provides the rationale for each recommendation in Table 2.

4. Background/Context Te Horopaki

4.1 As per the constituting agreement of the Committee, each year proposals for regional waste minimisation projects are considered. Of the total $120,000 (FY25), the Canterbury Regional Council (ECan) contributes 25%. The remaining 75% is split between the nine member Territorial Authorities, on a pro-rata basis by population.

4.2 The contestable fund is made available for waste minimisation projects or initiatives with regional application. Details are set out on the webpage Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant: Christchurch City Council.

5. Considerations Ngā Whai Whakaaro

5.1 Table 1 below presents all of the project descriptions submitted by Waste Minimisation Grant applicants for the 2025/26 funding round.

Table 1 - Project descriptions submitted by 2025–26 funding round applicants.

ID	Applicant Name - Project Title	Project description
CWM0001	Richmond Community Garden Trust - Riverlution Precious Plastic	Riverlution Precious Plastic is a grassroots circular economy initiative based at the Riverlution Eco Hub in the Richmond red zone of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Our goal is to divert single-use plastics, particularly #2 and #5 plastic lids that cannot be recycled via kerbside collection, from landfill by transforming them into useful, long-lasting products. The project strengthens community awareness and action around sustainability, while offering practical, local solutions to global waste challenges. ‍Operating out of a dedicated workshop at the Riverlution Eco Park, we have already established successful systems for collecting and sorting plastic lids through community drop-off points and educational outreach. With this funding, we aim to expand our capacity to produce high-quality, functional items, such as garden pots, tools, signage, and educational products, demonstrating the value of waste as a resource and encouraging behaviour change around consumption and disposal.‍ Key outcomes include: ‍- Plastic Diversion: Diverting significant volumes of #2 and #5 plastics from landfill and kerbside waste. ‍- Local Production: Scaling up our capacity to manufacture recycled plastic products using repurposed equipment and moulds. ‍- Community Engagement: Growing public awareness through workshops, school programs, and events where people can see the process and take part in hands-on sustainability. ‍- Job & Skill Development: Creating training and volunteer opportunities in plastic processing, design, and sustainable manufacturing. - Model for Replication: Establishing a working model for community-led plastic reprocessing that could be replicated in other regions. - Riverlution Precious Plastic empowers our community to reimagine waste as a resource, fostering creativity, environmental stewardship, and local resilience.
CWM0002	Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi/Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery -Trash to Treasure	Trash to Treasure is a regionally collaborative waste minimisation initiative led by the Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi. In partnership with construction companies, building suppliers, and homeware businesses across Canterbury, the project diverts reusable materials—timber, insulation, carpet, corflute, and more—that would otherwise go to landfill. These are stored at our campus and made freely available to students from over 55 schools, community groups, and members of the public. ‍This initiative models circular economy principles. Items are repurposed by students into predator traps, book libraries, compost bins, art installations, planter boxes, and more. Wool carpet becomes weed matting, batts insulate sleepouts, and untreated timber is restored for outdoor use. These applications reduce emissions, avoid waste, and inspire hands-on innovation. The project has grown rapidly from one supplier to 15 regular contributors, including Naylor Love, Southbase, Hills Flooring, and others—demonstrating broad regional reach and increasing weekly demand. ‍We are seeking funding to support the weekly coordination and operational management of the materials site, and to build weatherproof shelters for the storage of weather-sensitive items. This infrastructure will reduce material loss, ensure safe and equitable community access, and sustain the growing scale of donations and public use. ‍Over the next 12 months, Trash to Treasure will divert an estimated 70–90 tonnes of construction and homeware materials from landfill—while embedding reuse, resource recovery, and circular thinking in schools and communities across Canterbury.
CWM0003	Recycling Oceania LTD - Sub-Critical Water Waste Processing Project	Project Description: Subcritical Water (SCW) Waste Processing System This project proposes the deployment of a Subcritical Water (SCW) processing system designed to significantly reduce landfill volumes by safely and efficiently treating a wide range of organic and complex waste streams. ‍The SCW process uses pressurised hot water (typically 230–250°C at ~4 MPa) to thermally decompose organic materials in a sealed, oxygen-free environment. This results in: ‍Sterilised water ‍-Carbon-rich biochar (fuel-grade or usable as soil amendment or industrial input) -Minimal inert residue and trace gas (no toxic emissions or ash) ‍-The technology is fully commercialised in Japan and parts of Asia, and has been proven effective for the following waste types: Targeted Waste Streams ‍-Food Waste & Organics-Full sterilisation and liquefaction, ideal for zero-emission digestion‍ -Nappies & Incontinence Pads- Breaks down cellulose, plastics, and human waste; high calorific biochar ‍-Soft & Mixed Plastics-Decomposed into stable char; no sorting required ‍-Contaminated Packaging- Handles food-contaminated cardboard, film, and multilayer waste Municipal Sludge & Biosolids- Volume and pathogen reduction; biochar may contain energy value ‍Medical Waste (e.g., PPE)- Full disinfection; plastics and fabrics reduced to safe output ‍PVC & Other Plastics- Can be processed with a corrosion-resistant reactor design; produces high-calorific char ‍Agricultural Waste- Animal bedding, green waste, mixed farm organics converted to usable carbon Environmental & Social Impact ‍Diverts up to 90% of incoming waste from landfill ‍No smoke, no incineration, no toxic ash ‍Modular design allows integration at regional sites or co-location with existing infrastructure. ‍Supports iwi, regional councils, and private operators seeking clean, scalable landfill alternatives
CWM0004	Digital Future Aotearoa - Recycle A Device	Recycle A Device (RAD) is an innovative waste minimisation and digital equity programme led by Digital Future Aotearoa (DFA). RAD diverts unwanted laptops from waste streams, teaching Rangatahi (young people) in Canterbury to diagnose, repair, and refurbish these devices. The refurbished laptops are then gifted to whānau (families) who need them for education, employment, and community connection but would otherwise struggle to access one. Through hands-on learning, participants gain critical skills in tech engineering, problem-solving, and resourcefulness, fostering a mindset of reuse and sustainability. ‍ As part of our 2025/26 plan, RAD will sustain our highly connected network while delivering two "Fix One, Keep One" workshops in Canterbury. These workshops empower participants to repair one laptop for gifting to their community and keep a second device for personal use. This initiative not only diverts e-waste but also creates meaningful hands-on learning experiences for community groups and schools unable to sustain ongoing refurbishment. ‍ In 2024, RAD refurbished and gifted 2,920 laptops, involving 658 Rangatahi in hands-on repair workshops and diverting 5.8 tonnes of e-waste from landfill. This impact is set to continue in Canterbury, with an estimated 500 laptops to be refurbished and gifted over the next 12 months, engaging around 130 Rangatahi in repair clubs and community workshops.
CWM0005	Rangiora High School - EcoMulch	Schoolwide reduction of waste to landfill and repurposing organic/compostable waste to mulch for environmental projects and agricultural/horticultural ventures around the school (and the community when scaled up)
CWM0006	Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust - Paper4trees Canterbury	Paper4trees is a waste minimisation and tree planting programme for preschools and schools. There are currently 353 learning communities registered in the Canterbury region. Paper4trees is currently sponsored by the Ashburton, Mackenzie, and Waimate District Councils. I have not included the data from these districts in any data stated in the application. We help learning communities set up and maintain simple but effective recycling systems. Waste audits in schools found that up to 75% of school waste is paper and cardboard. Before the paper4trees programme began, this was being landfilled or incinerated. We provide 1 30L recycling bin to each classroom. This is placed next to the general rubbish bin so that the paper and cardboard can be separated at the source, keeping it clean and dry. This bin is emptied into the school's recycling bins and is then picked up by their local waste management company. As a reward for logging their recycling efforts, we give free native trees that can be planted within the school grounds or local community (some schools are kaitiaki of Red Zones in Christchurch City and choose to plant the plants they earn in this zone. It is up to the discretion of the school where they plant their plants.) Each learning community receives a minimum of 5 plants each year.
CWM0007	ND Coaching With Hannah -E-Waste Deconstruction	Connecting with others through a love of destruction, taking apart electrical equipment for recycling. In this group, we use hand tools such as screwdrivers to take apart items such as keyboards, optical drives, and laptops, breaking them down into separate parts ready for recycling. This enables an active lesson in recycling, waste minimisation, global impact of. I have trailed running this group in the 2025 academic year with classes in a primary, intermediate, and high school.
CWM0009	Little River School - Reduce, Reduce!	We would like to get 2 hungry bins for the school to support the current environmental programme. The school has a good-sized garden that the children maintain. We use the food from the garden as part of the cooking programme so that they see the path from garden to table. The same occurs with the fruit from all the fruit trees around the school. The children are asked to bring rubbish-free lunches as there is an emphasis given to providing healthy lunches and avoiding the packets. Children have a good grasp of nutrition. What we would like to develop is the use of the food scraps, cardboard, and paper to create vermicast to fertilise the school's veggie garden. This will achieve 2 goals: reduce the amount of paper and cardboard put into the recycling and give a use for the shredding. Secondly, it will show the children how waste is not just thrown out but can be used to feed further growth. Hungry bin is a great way to engage students with sustainability issues and encourage them to understand that they can be part of the wider solution.
CWM0010	Kairos Food Rescue - Scaling Impact through Sustainable Food Rescue and Recovery	Kairos Food Rescue seeks funding to scale and enhance its proven food recovery operations, directly reducing edible food waste to landfill, avoiding unnecessary waste generation, and promoting circular economy outcomes across Canterbury. We will use this funding to upgrade our food rescue fleet and introduce more efficient technology and practices to increase operational capacity while reducing environmental harm.
CWM0011	University of Canterbury - Reducing and Repurposing 3D Printer Waste	I manage the 3D printing facility within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury. In recent years, our capabilities have grown significantly, with student-led projects now generating close to 1,000 kg of 3D printing waste annually. This figure is expected to rise unless proactive waste minimisation measures are introduced. The waste produced is diverse in shape, size, colour, and polymer type—factors that often render it unsuitable for traditional plastic recycling processes. Additionally, we are aware of similar 3D printer waste being generated by local institutions, including ARA, schools, and public libraries. With this grant, we propose to develop and deliver a new laboratory-based student learning experience focused on sustainable 3D printing practices and the repurposing of unavoidable waste into functional items. This initiative aligns with circular economy principles and supports education, innovation, and community impact. ‍The funding would enable us to: •Employ a research assistant(s) during the 2025/2026 summer and mid-year university breaks, ‍•Conduct a regional audit of 3D printing waste sources and types, ‍•Identify repurposing solutions for non-recyclable 3D printing waste, ‍•Design a lab programme for Semester 2, 2026 and following years, which will teach students how to reduce, reuse, and redesign waste. ‍•Purchase 3D printing management software to reduce printing errors and material wastage,‍ •Contribute to tooling and technician support costs needed to develop prototypes and repurposed products. ‍Key Outcomes: ‍•Increased student engagement with sustainable design and waste reduction, ‍•Measurable reduction in 3D printing waste entering landfill, ‍•A replicable, educational lab programme that embeds sustainability in engineering curricula, ‍•A regional waste summary identifying 3D printing materials that currently lack recycling or reuse pathways. This project has potential for cross-sector benefit and could serve as a model for other tertiary institutions, libraries, and schools across Canterbury.
CWM0012	Waste-Ed With Kate Limited - Sustainable Comfort: Reusable Solutions for Aged Care	Project Overview: Sustainable Incontinence Solutions for Retirement Villages (Canterbury Region). This project aims to deliver targeted waste minimisation education and support to 10 retirement villages across the Canterbury region, with a specific focus on reducing single-use incontinence product waste — a significant and often overlooked contributor to landfill. ‍Through a combination of resident and staff training, product trials, and ongoing support systems, the program will introduce and encourage the adoption of reusable incontinence solutions, while fostering broader waste awareness in aged care environments. ‍Key Activities: ‍-Educational Workshops for both residents and care staff on sustainable waste practices and reusable product options ‍-Reusable Product Trial Kits supplied to a selected group in each village to encourage practical uptake ‍-On-site Support including Q&A, care guidance, and behaviour-change nudges to address barriers -Monitoring and Evaluation to track product adoption, reduction in single-use waste, and behavioural impact over time ‍Key Outcomes: -Increased awareness of reusable incontinence solutions among aged care communities ‍-Tangible reduction in single-use incontinence product waste across 10 sites -Improved staff confidence in supporting residents with sustainable options ‍-A replicable model for wider rollout across other villages and regions ‍-Robust data to inform future waste policy and aged care sustainability initiatives This initiative not only addresses a critical waste stream but also empowers older adults and care staff with practical, long-term waste reduction strategies — contributing directly to Canterbury’s regional waste minimisation goals.
CWM0013	Twin Needle Limited - Fabric Recycling	With this grant, we would like to recycle our fabric off-cuts. Currently, we dispose of approximately 40l of fabric off-cuts each week. An Auckland-based company, Impact Tec Textile Recycling now has the technology to recycle nylon-based products. We would bale and freight our fabric to Auckland, where they turn it into a high value upcycled rigid panel product.
CWM0014	Sutherland and Company Limited - Chipper acquisition	Clear outcome - Creating a reduction of our timber waste that is put into skips and then goes to landfill every month. This is repurposing timber that would have gone to waste.
CWM0015	Step Ahead Trust - Education Sessions, Waste Audit Analysis & Report	Step Ahead Trust will partner with Without Waste to complete a comprehensive waste audit and staff/member (client) education initiative at our two Christchurch sites. The project includes: · Pre-audit education for staff · Waste audit across both sites · Post-audit education for staff and members (clients) This project supports long-term behavioural change and embeds sustainability into our organisational culture, with flow-on effects to our rural and future sites.
CWM0017	All Heart NZ Charitable Trust - Purchase of a Box Truck	To enable efficient delivery and collection of redirection stock, improve logistics, and expand regional coverage.
CWM0018	Without Waste Limited - SME Waste Action Programme	The SME Waste Action Programme is a series of in-person workshops and an online Waste Reduction Toolkit, accessible to all businesses, no matter where they are on their waste reduction journey. The SME Programme provides simple, actionable tools that empower businesses to engage their teams, minimise waste, and build a culture of sustainability. Many small businesses struggle to start their sustainability journey due to a lack of time and money, meaning they either can’t afford to hire a Sustainability Advisor in their team, or they don’t have the resources to get external help. A series of 5 workshops in this programme (reduce, reuse, recycle/compost, waste behaviour; specialised waste diversion), run twice over the course of 10 months, with a mix of engaging activities and project planning, will empower small and medium businesses to take action in their workplace. ‍ Whilst the workshops and mentorship extend over a 10-month period, this project is all about thinking long-term to ensure that the practices and knowledge the businesses gain during the workshops. The workshop resources and support guides will be uploaded onto the website, where they will be publicly accessible after the workshop finishes. In addition to this, there will be the option for businesses to have follow-up calls and extra mentorship sessions with the WOW team at a discounted price. This project aims to help ensure that the businesses that get involved are able to implement strategies and sustain them well beyond the programme finish.
CWM0019	Workwear Recycled Ltd - Secure Destruction of Government Department Uniforms	Workwear Recycled Ltd is seeking funding to purchase a mechanical shredding machine to provide secure on-site destruction and recycling of sensitive NZ Government uniforms and PPE. The company has just finalised the purchase of its processing facility in Washdyke to provide space for the processing of a much larger volume of textiles and PPE. We have already invested $750,000.00 in a building and $6,000.00 in high-tech alarms and locks. The cost of the Twin Shaft Genox Mechanical shredder will be $42,646.00 + GST, plus freight + installation. The addition of the machine will provide jobs locally and allow for the secure local processing of end-of-life uniforms and PPE for the NZ Government and other participating organisations. This will reduce large volumes of textiles currently going into landfill in the Canterbury and South Canterbury regions, with in the future, South Island wide. With new mechanical shredding on-site, the company can continue to develop innovative uses for recycled textiles with the goal of creating a circular pathway for textiles recycled back into fabric for industry. The project will be an ongoing operation that will remove 30 - 50 tonnes of textile and PPE waste from landfill each year.
CWM0020	Food Resilience Network INC. - Soil Health Resource	Our project focuses on enhancing soil health through community engagement and education. By implementing a suite of resources appealing to a wide demographic (both homeowner and non-homeowner) that can be utilised across greater Christchurch. This includes partnering with marae, neighbourhood groups, and existing urban gardens to composting initiatives and promoting sustainable land practices, we aim to reduce organic waste sent to landfills and improve local soil quality. Building on the first phase (a collaboration with Ace Adult Education, Richmond Community Garden Trust and PACE interns - see attached documents) of this project we will develop a resource that will involve workshops, distribution and connection to existing resources, both locally and national, as well as collaborating with a wide range of educators, organisations and community groups to foster long-term environmental stewardship by reaching as many adult learners as possible using technology, gamification and great storytelling.
CWM0021	Spout Alternatives Limited - Spout Milk on Tap -Canterbury - Reusable Kegs and Pump System	Spout is introducing an innovative electric pump tap system for hospitality outlets in Canterbury, replacing nitrogen-pressurised systems currently used to dispense milk from reusable kegs. This new system will improve operational efficiency, reduce milk wastage, and lower barriers to uptake by eliminating the need for nitrogen gas cylinders. By increasing the adoption of kegged milk, we aim to significantly reduce single-use plastic bottle waste in the region.
CWM0022	Circular Food Waste Solution: Transforming Retail Organic Waste into High-Value Insect Protein and Fertilizer	Problem Statement: ‍ New Zealand sends 157,398 tonnes of food waste to landfills annually, contributing to 4% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions (Ministry for the Environment, 2023). ‍Supermarkets generate 20% of this waste (~31,480 tonnes/year), with Foodstuffs North Island alone reporting 15,000 tonnes of organic waste annually (Foodstuffs NZ Sustainability Report, 2022). ‍Current disposal methods (landfilling) cost retailers $250–$500/tonne in fees and missed circular economy opportunities. ‍Solution: ‍This project pilots a scalable Black Soldier Fly (BSF) system to: ‍ Divert 100% of ineligible food waste from 1 Foodstuffs store (5 tonnes/week → 260 tonnes/year). ‍Produce high-value outputs: ‍- BSF protein meal (35–45% protein, worth $2.00–$3.50/kg for poultry/pet feed). ‍- Organic fertilizer (frass) (50–100kg/tonne waste, valued at $1.50–$3.00/kg). ‍- Reduce emissions by 0.74 tonnes CO₂e per tonne of waste diverted (World Bank, 2021). ‍Innovation: ‍- First retail-integrated BSF system in NZ, designed for supermarket back-of-store operations. ‍- AI-powered monitoring to optimize larval growth and waste processing efficiency. ‍Impact Metrics: ‍-Phase Waste Diverted CO₂ Reduced Revenue Potential ‍- Pilot (Y1)260 tonnes192 tonnes$15,600–$59,800 ‍- Scale (Y3)5,200 tonnes3,848 tonnes$312,000–$1.2M‍ - Alignment with NZ Priorities Directly supports: ‍- NZ Waste Minimisation Fund goals (50% waste reduction by 2030). ‍- Climate Change Commission targets (cut biogenic methane 10% by 2030).
CWM0023	Barham Construction Ltd - Urban Timber Rescue Project Trial	A collaboration between, Waimakariri District Council Community and Recreation unit, their contract arborist, and me to complete trials to identify a pathway to establish an urban timber reuse plan for trees removed from public land. The reuse of urban forest material (by-product) at the end of life has the potential to transform what is currently a "Waste stream" for communities into a "Value stream". Higher-value salvaged wood can be processed into sawn timber for use by local schools, community organisations, and businesses, while low-value urban wood is processed into new products such as compost, soft fall mulch, biochar, and wood pellets. ‍Key outcomes: - ‍To divert end-of-life and trees that need to be removed from public land into timber, providing an alternative to the current mulch-everything policy. - ‍To collect data during the trial to provide statistics that will provide a direct comparison to the current mulch-everything model. - ‍To develop a specification to educate all involved parties about what and how trees can be reused. - ‍Educate by delivering an exhibition in the Chamber gallery, located in Rangiora, after the trial period. This exhibition will consist of a range of items made by local makers and community groups using the timber collected during the trial period. - To develop a model that can be implemented for an urban timber reuse plan for trees removed from public land.
CWM0025	Canterbury Hearing Support Association – Incorporated Building a Cleaner Future	Statistics and research prove that the greatest amount of current waste in NZ is Building Waste, which makes up a total of 50 % of the Landfill space. CHS is now rebranding to Invisible Disabilities Awareness Initiative (IDAI), but at the time of this grant application, is still operating as CHS. Our dynamic group of cross-generational members is professionals from education, health, technology, business, hospitality, students, etc. who all have some form of invisible disability, i.e., Dyslexia, Neurodiversity, Hearing Impairments, Autism, Epilepsy, Mental Health, especially anxiety or depression, Emotional Health, and more, which has impacted their lives. Our group of collective individuals believes no house or building should be allowed to be smashed, as a majority of materials are recyclable. The current costs of smashing down a building are easy and cheap, which the current system is rampant for the mishandling of materials. Recent Project Example and how it could have gone: One Tree College in Auckland was gifted a house for $1. Our thought is that developers should pay the cost of moving the house to a school site. A Trades programme at the school could modernise the house with dyslexic or neurodivergent students and then sell it at the end of the programme as a fundraiser for the school. Our goal is to create a technological platform for content and resource gathering. We plan to be involved with legislation, programme development, and training, and resource databases will be created and developed on a technological platform to reach out to the community. Rial our idea with a pilot project. Be actively involved in law reform while also creating both visual content, courses, and a system that can be implemented for our pilot project and then moved out to the rest of the country.

5.2 A staff-generated methodology used to assess the 2025/26 applications is described below:

· Due to the higher number of applications for the Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant 2025/26 round, the staff members scored each criterion individually. Then each assessment was taken into consideration in the group discussion and a final decision made, as follows:

5.3 Staff Members' Individual Assessment Process

Eligible projects are currently evaluated using the following weighted criteria:

· How well does this application contribute towards waste avoidance, reduction of waste to landfill, and/or recovery of resources? (Score 0-40)

· Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to deliver the project and have a relevant track record? (Score 0-25)

· How easily can the outcomes of this project be measured? (Score 0-25)

· What are the details of the self-funding and co-funding contributions for the proposed project? (Score 0-10)

5.4 Group Assessment Process Steps

5.4.1 Step 1: Eligibility review and visualise individual assessment summary

Review eligibility and open the shared Assessment Spreadsheet for staff to visualise summarised individual decisions as:

o “Yes” to indicate support

o “N” to indicate no support

o “U” to indicate unsure of support.

5.4.2 Step 2: Remove projects with predominant “No Support”

Filter out projects that received the majority of “No Support” responses from staff. These are declined at this stage.

5.4.3 Step 3: Identify Most-Supported Projects

Highlight projects with the most “Support” votes from staff for further review. These form the initial shortlist.

5.4.4 Step 4: Reconsider projects with ‘Uncertain’ status

Hold projects flagged as “unsure” for potential funding if the budget allows and re-evaluate them at the end.

5.4.5 Step 5: Prioritisation review

For shortlisted projects:

o Allocate a reasonable or minimum viable funding amount.

o Exclude projects that raise concerns (e.g., local focus, unsustainable requests, unclear costs, or repeated grants without reporting).

5.4.6 Step 6: Finalise funding decisions

Allocate full amounts to top-priority projects within the total available budget.
Revisit “uncertain” projects only if funding remains. Use remaining funds for viable, small-scale impact projects.

5.4.7 Step 7: Residual fund allocation

If any unallocated budget remains, decide whether to:

o Support an additional small project.

o Roll remaining funds into the following year’s round.

o Or another consensus decision to be made.

5.4.8 Step 8: Final agreement

o Confirm final list.

5.5 The staff committee reviewed and consolidated feedback to develop funding recommendations for the Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant. For the 2025/26 financial year, funding is recommended for 7 (highlighted green) of the 22 submitted projects, as shown in Table 2.

5.6 All individual application forms are attached to this report (Attachments from A to V).

Table 2 -Staff committee consolidated feedback and funding recommendation

ID	Applicant Name	Project Title	Requested	Recommended	Consolidated Feedback- Staff Committee
CWM0001	Richmond Community Garden Trust	Riverlution Precious Plastic	$27,000	$0	While the project promotes positive behaviour change and reuse education, it results in low overall waste diversion and may simply delay the end-of-life of plastic items. With a localised reach and limited broader impact, funding is not recommended at this time.
CWM0002	Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi/Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery	Trash to Treasure	$7,850	$7,850	This project demonstrates strong collaboration, high waste diversion relative to cost, and meaningful engagement with the construction sector, fostering awareness and behaviour change around over-ordering and reuse. While ongoing operational funding is typically avoided, short-term support is justified given the project's broad reach and strong value for a modest investment. Funding is recommended for this year, with a clear note that continued funding may not be supported.
CWM0003	Recycling Oceania LTD	Sub-Critical Water Waste Processing Project	$40,000	$0	The project is in early exploratory stages with no proven delivery, measurable outcomes. The funding request is solely for travel, which does not directly contribute to waste minimisation.
CWM0004	Digital Future Aotearoa	Recycle A Device	$25,000	$0	RAD is a strong, regionally established initiative with proven waste diversion and educational outcomes. However, the project was granted funding for the last 2 rounds (FY23 and FY24), and concerns were raised regarding the financial sustainability of the project, the grant's spending clarity, and reliance on public funding. Funding is not recommended for this round. The staff group encourages the organisation to secure more support from manufacturers and retailers responsible for the waste.
CWM0005	Rangiora High School	EcoMulch	$8,657	$0	Benefits are limited in scale with no clear regional impact. The proposal lacks clarity on certain aspects (e.g., composting of paper and cardboard). Given the preference for projects with a broader reach, this application is not prioritised for funding in the current round.
CWM0006	Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust	Paper4trees Canterbury	$24,043	$0	The programme, while long-established and measurable, is already partially sponsored by Ashburton, Mackenzie, and Waimate. The model offers limited educational depth, given its narrow alignment with current funding priorities. This project is not recommended for funding.
CWM0007	ND Coaching With Hannah	E-Waste Deconstruction	$16,600	$0	The proposal has limited regional reach. It requested 100% funding, primarily for wages, with no co-funding or clear plan for continuation beyond the grant. While there is some educational value, the waste diversion impact is not significant, making it unsuitable for funding in this round.
CWM0009	Little River School	Reduce, Reduce!	$1,282	$1,282	This project represents a low-cost, achievable initiative with strong potential for waste reduction education and long-term benefits at the school level. Although the current regional reach is limited, the staff group recommends supporting this project as a valuable trial that could be easily replicated in other schools across Canterbury.
CWM0010	Kairos Food Rescue	Scaling Impact through Sustainable Food Rescue and Recovery	$20,000	$20,000	This well-established project effectively reduces edible food waste, which aligns with the Waste Hierarchy and circular economy principles by redistributing surplus food. Given its proven track record and significant waste and social benefits, full funding is recommended to support ongoing and expanded food rescue efforts.
CWM0011	University of Canterbury	Reducing and Repurposing 3D Printer Waste	$27,532	$27,532	This innovative project addresses the growing issue of 3D printer waste, offering potential for significant future waste reduction across the South Island and beyond. It could serve as a blueprint for wider application in educational and general settings. Despite a relatively high cost per tonne diverted, the project’s learnings and potential for replication justify investment.
CWM0012	Waste-Ed With Kate Limited	Sustainable Comfort: Reusable Solutions for Aged Care	$43,000	$43,000	This innovative project targets the top of the waste hierarchy with a reasonable potential for waste diversion in the aged care sector. It has a good track record, and if feasibility is proven, it could deliver benefits beyond Canterbury.
CWM0013	Twin Needle Limited	Fabric Recycling	$4,836	$4,836	Although the overall waste diversion volume is small, supporting outdoor equipment repair to extend product lifespan aligns well with waste minimisation goals. Connects repair (core business) with recycling practice, extending product lifecycle, which will be measured through fabric weight. The applicant has systems in place to ensure delivery.
CWM0014	Sutherland and Company Limited	Chipper acquisition	$96,000	$0	This project appears to be primarily a commercial project with limited community benefit. The financial savings indicate self-funding. The application lacked detail on delivery, monitoring, and wider impact. Funding is not recommended.
CWM0015	Step Ahead Trust	Education Sessions, Waste Audit Analysis & Report	$2,730	$0	While the project supports community well-being and has merit, it is focused on a single organisation with limited regional reach and no clear replicability. Similar initiatives are often self-funded. For these reasons, funding is not recommended.
CWM0017	All Heart NZ Charitable Trust	Purchase of a Box Truck	$50,000	$0	While the project is innovative, achievable, and supports waste minimisation through a well-established operation, the high funding request to purchase a truck ($50K for 83% of the budget), with no confirmed co-funding, raised concerns. Funding is not recommended at this stage.
CWM0018	Without Waste Limited	SME Waste Action Programme	$18,945	$0	While the organisation has shown impact in past rounds, this project's request is for 75% of the budget and its focus is primarily local (Christchurch-based), with unclear regional reach. Similar programmes already exist across Canterbury councils, reducing their priority for funding.
CWM0019	Workwear Recycled Ltd	Secure Destruction of Government Department Uniforms	$66,042	$0	The project addresses an important issue, repurposing PPE and uniforms; however, its downcycling approach sits low on the waste hierarchy. The funding request is high (85% of the total budget), with an indication of being unable to proceed without the full requested amount. Details around existing partnerships remain unclear. For these reasons, funding is not recommended.
CWM0020	Food Resilience Network INC	Soil Health Resource	$24,000	$0	This project is local. Similar resources and support for soil health are already well-funded and available through other council and community programs. The concept, while useful, targets activities homeowners can undertake independently or via existing organic collection services. Therefore, funding is not recommended.
CWM0021	Spout Alternatives Limited	Spout Milk on Tap - Canterbury - Reusable Kegs and Pump System	$12,000	$12,000	This project aligns strongly with the waste hierarchy by reducing single-use packaging. It targets commercial markets, offering a practical solution to reduce waste. The funding request is modest, and the applicant is open to partial support to test market uptake and interest. While the business shows potential for self-sustainability, the initial funding would help scale their impact and encourage wider adoption of reusable systems.
CWM0022		Circular Food Waste Solution: Transforming Retail Organic Waste into High-Value Insect Protein and Fertilizer	$480,000	$0	The applicant requested four times the total grant amount available, indicating a lack of attention to the application requirements. This raises concerns about their understanding of the funding process and ability to align with programme expectations. Funding is not recommended.
CWM0023	Barham Construction Ltd	Urban Timber Rescue Project Trial	$13,920	$0	The project appears to be in an early developmental stage with unclear outcomes if the trial proves unviable. As mulch is already a beneficial use and not sent to landfill, the diversion benefit is limited. The initiative is also locally focused. Given its current scope and status, funding is not recommended at this time.
CWM0025	Canterbury Hearing Support Association Incorporated	Building a Cleaner Future	$50,000	$0	The application lacks detail on how the project would be delivered. There is no clear plan for logistics, measurement of outcomes, or operational waste diversion methods. The group has no demonstrated experience in construction or deconstruction, and the request for 100% of the funding with no co-funding further limits confidence. Given these gaps, funding is not recommended.
Total			Requested	Recommended
			$1,059,437.00	$ 116,500.00
Remaining amount				$ 3,500.00

6. Risks and Mitigations Ngā Mōrearea me ngā Whakamātautau

6.1 Legal Considerations Ngā Hīraunga ā-Ture

6.1.1 There is no legal context, issue, or implication relevant to this decision.

7. Next Steps Ngā Mahinga ā-muri

7.1 Obtain a decision on the grant awards proposed.

7.2 Staff will contact all applicants to inform them of the outcome of the meeting.