Celebrating 25 years of building a waste free future.

Join us to celebrate our past and present work, and explore how these strong foundations are creating the structures for a shared zero waste future.

We are gathering at the University of Auckland on September 8-10 in a collaborative space for learning, networking and experiencing face-to-face the construction of a zero waste Aotearoa NZ from the ground up.

Celebrate our solutions and innovation in communities and projects across the country. From the movement’s early voices to those meeting the challenges of today, this hui will bring together the people and organisations committed to a future where all things are valued, and nothing goes to waste.

The Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui is a space for those who want real change: from the front lines of community waste minimisation work, to iwi and hapū, local and central government, zero waste advocates, businesses and households. Everyone has a room in the zero waste world.

What to expect

Day 1 & 2 - connection days

8 & 9 September 2025

Join us on Days 1 & 2 for a vibrant mix of celebration, learning, and big picture thinking—brought to life through keynote talks, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and inspiring ZWN Member stories.

These days are designed to widen our lens and highlight how our collective mahi contributes to national and global movements for zero waste and climate action. As we reflect on 25 years of zero waste in Aotearoa, we’ll also look ahead—toward the future we’re building together: one that is waste-free, connected, and community-powered.

Check out the full programme here.

Networking drinks

8 September 2025

Day 1 will wrap up with relaxed networking drinks—a chance to continue the celebrations, spark new ideas, and connect with your new hui friends.

All hui pass holders — whether you have a full pass, Monday pass, or Tuesday pass — are welcome to attend the Monday night networking drinks.

Tour day

10 September 2025

On Day 3, we’ll head out into Tāmaki Makaurau to visit some of the region’s most inspiring zero waste initiatives. Multiple tour options will run at the same time, so you’ll be able to choose the experience that speaks to your interests and mahi.

Please note

*All tour times are an indication of how much time to allow. These are subject to change.

Tours require an additional ticket on top of your Hui pass. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book early to secure your spot.

The tours will only run if minimum numbers are met. In the case of the tour not running you will be provided a refund.

We have 3 tour options on offer:

Community Resilience Tour

8:30am - 2:00pm*
Location: Grey Lynn/Western Springs area

Join this tour of community led initiatives that each provide access to shared resources for a more local less wasteful world. There is special corners of the city where circular economy is the norm, where shared spaces, tools, knowledge and kai is abundant, all we need is just to know where they are on the map (in this case, just up the road from each other).

We will be visiting:

We will be traveling together from place to place by minivan.

Lunch is provided.

Pourewa Reserve Tour

10.00am - 12.30pm
Location: Ōrākei

Join us to visit Pourewa reserve, an iwi-led environmental regeneration initiative under Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Toi Taiao. Pourewa is a community vegetable garden – a māra kai – a revegetation nursery for the whānau of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

The māra kai was completed in June 2020 to a design that incorporated the mauri, wairua, tikanga and whakapapa of the land with a traditional sustainable horticultural and agricultural practice.

The tour starts with a mihi whakatau, we will hear about background to the matauranga involved in the design leading into a guided walk around the mara kai, the mara Rongoa and the kumara collection. You will even get a chance to get your hands dirty. After the tour we will gather for lunch together (lunch is provided).

For this tour we will meet onsite and stay at the reserve for the duration of the tour.

Reuse & Resource Recovery Tour

8:30am - 2:00pm*
Location: Onehunga/Penrose area

Join us to visit three diverse resource recovery sites that Tāmaki Makaurau has to offer, including:

Onehunga Community Recycling Centre
EchoTech - Ewaste Recycling
Re.Group Material Recovery Facility (MRF)

We will be traveling together from place to place by minivan.

Lunch is provided.

Important things to note about ticketing:

Early bird tickets will be available until July 24th.
Accomodation is not included in the ticketing. Please arrange your own accommodation for yourself and team.

Contact

Any questions please get in touch with jasmine@zerowaste.co.nz

Photo Disclaimer
By attending this event, you acknowledge that photographs and/or videos may be taken by our official event photographer. By participating, you grant us permission to use any photos or videos that feature you for promotional purposes, including but not limited to, social media, websites, and marketing materials. If you prefer not to be included in any media, please notify a member of our team upon arrival.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!