Celebrating the Leadership in Climate Action Award
WISE Charitable Trust proudly wins the Leadership in Climate Action Award for The Junction Zero Waste Hub at the 2025 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards. This recognition feels special because it reflects the hard mahi of our staff, our volunteers, our partners and our wider community who stand with us through every challenge and every rainy day at The Junction.
The awards night at Stadium Taranaki felt full of energy and strong community spirit. We felt grateful to stand alongside so many passionate groups, educators, individuals and charities who dedicate their time to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for Taranaki.
A huge mihi to the Taranaki Regional Council for shining a light on the climate mahi happening across the region. Their support helps strengthen the resilience of our rohe and encourages all of us to keep pushing for positive change.
Why This Award Matters for Taranaki
This award highlights the role The Junction Zero Waste Hub plays in reducing waste, supporting a circular economy and empowering whānau to make sustainable choices.
Every day our team sorts, diverts, educates and innovates. We create local solutions that keep valuable resources out of landfill. We show people that waste does not need to exist. We pair environmental care with community care because sustainability grows stronger when everyone feels included.
Winning this award reminds us that climate action grows from community action. When people choose to repair, repurpose, recycle, donate or shop second-hand, they directly support a cleaner, more resilient Taranaki.
How The Junction Leads Climate Action
Reducing waste in the community: The Junction diverts thousands of tonnes of reusable materials from landfill each year. Every item resold, repurposed or repaired avoids emissions and saves families money.
Educating through real, practical experience: School groups, businesses, local clubs and curious visitors learn how to live lighter on the planet. We teach real behaviour change that people take home to their whānau.
Building skills and strengthen local resilience: Our team upskills constantly and shares knowledge with the community. We support new habits, new thinking and new possibilities for zero waste living.
Connecting people: A zero waste hub works best when people feel welcome. The Junction creates a space where everyone can contribute, learn and grow.
How You Can Support Climate Action in Your Household
Small steps create long-lasting change. Here are some easy ways to reduce waste and live more sustainably in Taranaki:
Choose second-hand first – Visit The Junction for furniture, home goods, DIY items, outdoor gear, books, toys and more. Buying second-hand reduces pressure on landfill and saves you money.
Sort your recycling correctly – Rinse containers, flatten cardboard and keep lids off bottles. Correct sorting helps us process materials faster and keeps contamination low.
Repair before replacing – Fixing items extends their life and keeps them out of landfill. Many things only need a simple repair.
Get involved with local initiatives – Join workshops, volunteer days or community clean-ups. Meeting like-minded people boosts motivation and builds community pride.
Thank You Taranaki
This award belongs to everyone who supports WISE and The Junction.
- Our incredible team (past and present).
- New Plymouth District Council, Toi Foundation, Sustainable Taranaki and all our partners.
- Every person who donates, shops, volunteers, learns or shares our mahi.
Join Us and Be Part of the Change
- Visit The Junction Zero Waste Hub to explore, donate, shop or learn.
- Follow WISE Charitable Trust on social media for updates, workshops and community stories.
- Share your ideas and help us build an even stronger, low-waste future for Taranaki.
