West Auckland resident Enviro Groups connect

Members from five West Auckland Enviro Groups met in February at Waitākere Gardens Village for their regular sustainability catch-up. The session focused on practical initiatives including energy efficiency, waste reduction, solutions for hard-to recycle items, and eco-friendly product options.

The session wrapped up with a guided tour of the village’s extensive vegetable gardens, which feature individual plots and community beds producing a wide range of fruit and vegetables. Residents can access the fresh harvest for a gold coin donation, supporting a culture of community sharing. Nationwide, 31 Enviro Groups operate within Metlifecare villages, led by residents passionate about projects such as community gardens, op shops, swap schemes, and recycling efforts.

Guided by the resident-developed Partnership for the Planet framework, the groups are supported by the Metlifecare Sustainability team, which offers resources, funding, and a quarterly Zoom forum that brings all groups together to collaborate and exchange ideas.