Kia ora tātou,

The much anticipated Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail is this Friday! Have you booked an event and planned your itinerary? We encourage ride-sharing, public, and active transport. Check out the e-bike map for inspiration. Te Ara Taiao Program supports the Ōmata School students in growing kūmara and they are eager to share their learning with Trail visitors this year.

Do you remember to bring your own containers when eating out or stocking up on bulk foods? The Bring It! New Plymouth Campaign is encouraging positive zero-waste action, and cafes around town are rewarding people who BYO containers/cutlery. Enter the competition to be in to win a beautiful Pottery for the Planet ceramic travel bowl.

Ngā mihi,

The Sustainable Taranaki tīma

Are You Ready for the Trail?

There is something for everyone with 100 workshops, talks, and tours on offer from hosts inviting you to their backyards around the region. Be sure to check out the four main events which are of high value and aimed at educating and empowering participants to take action in their own backyard. There are only limited spaces available so book asap!

We recommend planning your trips ahead, carpooling, and taking active or public transport where possible. Check out the interactive map to make the most of your journey.

Take Note of these Tips

Frankley Farm Collective, Heart & Soil, Perth’maculture, Wellies n Worms, Eco-Grans Garden - limited parking on street only, so we encourage ride-sharing, walking, public transport, or taking your pahikara (bike).

The Green Shed - visit Peihana Farm first, then head back and visit the Green Shed. Please be careful at this turn-off.

Mountain Road Estate & The Little Insect Farm - are on country roads so please be careful around the blind corners.

Kahu Glen Farm - Be sure to take Paraite Rd not Arthur Rd to this location.

Tikorangi Orchard Garden - Bertrand Bridge is a one-lane, narrow bridge - an adventurous way to get to Tikorangi Orchard Garden.

Soil Resilience - A Mātauranga Māori Perspective

Secure your place on the waka and be part of an inspiring kōrero with Pounamu at the Green School NZ. Bring your enthusiasm and questions. This is really relevant for our region and its future.

Trail End Celebration - Growers Gathering at Greenbridge

Here’s your chance to connect with like-minded green thumbs who want to see positive change in our region and Aotearoa. Listen to Daniel Woolley from Greenbridge about healthy homes and communities and Amanda-Jane Healy and her local business success story. Enjoy Wild Pear Catering and one person will win a gift from Amanda’s Everkind body care range. This gathering is all about connection and celebration!

Take our Survey to Win!

Take this year’s Trail Survey after visiting a backyard or two (or 10) to be in to win any one of our homegrown prizes. Be sure to vote for your favourite Backyard! The very first Community Choice Award will be presented to the backyard host with the most votes. Win some awesome prizes for telling us what you think.

Warm wishes on your journey around the region! Be sure to visit the backyards trail website for updates or follow the Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Facebook page.

Bring It! Reusable Container Competition

With the new national plastic products ban rolling out across Aotearoa it's time to remember your 'keys, phone, cup and container' and #BringIt! next time you head out to grab your favourite takeaway. Check out the cafes around town that are rewarding people who BYO containers/cutlery

Thanks to our friends at Pottery For The Planet we've got a beautiful handmade ceramic travel bowl to giveaway. Head here to be into win!

We are Hiring - Kairuruku/Education Coordinator

We are looking for a dynamic Kairuruku / education coordinator to work on Te Ara Taiao, a collaborative conservation project.  Te Ara Taiao brings together hapū, schools, early childhood centres, and local organisations to drive and sustain conservation and conservation education. The vision is to be a leading local community that uplifts the natural ecology and mauri of Taranaki Maunga. 

If you’re keen to accelerate your efforts to create a truly sustainable Taranaki we’d love to hear from you:  

Please submit Expressions of Interest for this role by Friday 25th November 2022 by emailing tane.manu@sustainabletaranaki.org.nz. Please include a CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and skills, and why you are interested in the position.

Community Stories: Ruru Offers Unexpected Life Lessons at Rotokare

Te Ara Taiao student leadership expedition to learn about the kiwi kohanga (nursery) and juvenile kiwi journey to the kaitake ranges was gatecrashed by an unexpected visitor…

Community Stories: Sustainable Schools making an IMPACT

In term 3 this year, the Impact for Youth Programme worked with kids from FDMC, Highlands Intermediate, and Puketapu School. Each group explored their understanding of environmental issues globally and in their community. They then researched, planned, and carried out a collaborative project to deliver a sustainable outcome for their community. All of these projects were thought up and acted on by the young people involved with guidance provided by our facilitators Mieke & Dave.

Book Launch at Poppies - “What Your Chickens Want You to Know” by Andrea Graves

Kick of this year’s Sustainable Backyards Trail with a book launch!

Friday 28th October 5:30 pm at Poppies Bookstore next to Puke Ariki Library This book is for anyone who already has chickens or would like to get them. Andrea Graves has a doctorate in animal welfare science relating to chickens. Using this knowledge, as well as her own practical experience of keeping them, she has developed an approach to maintaining happy, healthy chickens that aligns with their primal instincts.

Events Calendar

Local environmentally and community-focused events, all in one place!

Are you passionate about sustainability and supporting our growing community? Follow us on Facebook, join our Sustainable Taranaki Community Facebook Group, and get involved in local events and educational opportunities!.