Hamilton City Council is calling on community groups, iwi/Maaori organisations, and businesses with fresh ideas to help reduce waste across Hamilton Kirikiriroa.
The Waste Minimisation Fund is open until Friday 17 April 2026 and supports projects that encourage community participation, build knowledge, benefit the community, lead to behaviour change and reduce waste to landfill.
The total fund pool is $100,000, with groups able to apply for either standard funding ($1000 – $5000) or special project funding ($5000 – $15,000).
Council’s Head of Resource Recovery, Sarah Wilson, says the fund aims to encourage projects championing long-term waste minimisation and behaviour change, aligning with Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan vision: Hamilton Kirikiriroa is leading the way towards a low-waste city.
“Over the years we’ve seen some fantastic applications and continue to be impressed by the community’s initiatives. We’re excited to see what comes through this round,” said Wilson.
From hands-on sewing and woodwork workshops to innovative waste education programmes and school composting systems, last year’s Waste Minimisation Fund supported a wide range of community-led initiatives.
Some highlights from 2025 applicants include:
- Sip & Sew Workshops help the community discover the joy of sewing, while offering practical, achievable ways to reduce textile waste by extending the life of clothing pieces.
- Pare Kore worked with the community to provide education programmes that encourage zero waste.
- Recreators provided workshops that build community members DIY skills, promote environmental responsibility and reduce waste to landfill. Participants transformed wood waste into functional and beautiful items.
- Hamilton schools developed worm farm and composting systems to sustainably manage food and paper waste and teach students the value of these practices.
To learn more and apply for the fund visit hamilton.govt.nz/waste-minimisation-fund.