Zero-waste hui hits region

Urs Signer and Emily Bailey want to teach everyone how to produce zero waste.

The pair will be hosting a zerowaste hui at Parihaka on October 28 to 30, the first time the workshop has been held in Taranaki.

Run by Para Kore Marae Inc the three-day workshop will be a crash course in sustainability, teaching people how to recycle, compost and eventually produce no rubbish at all.

‘‘We throw far too much into the landfill these days,’’ Signer said.

‘‘Para Kore means zero waste and that’s our vision, it’s a journey.’’

Signer said making the move to zero waste wasn’t easy but was very rewarding.

‘‘You have to think more about what you’re buying and what you’re going to grow or make yourself,’’ he said. The hui, which has run annually since 2009, will also feature speakers on light earth (sustainable building) and traditional Maori food gathering.

Para Kore work with Marae and community groups across New Zealand to help achieve zero waste but its general manager Jacqui Forbes said the hui was a way to bring everyone together.

‘‘This year’s theme is whakapapa. We’ll explore our relationships to each other and our connections to resources,’’ she said.

‘‘We’ll share stories and experiences of our journey towards zero waste and inspire each other to care for Rangi and Papa.’’

Anyone interested in the hui needs to register at Para Kore’s before the 28th of October.