Upcoming Events
19
Events proudly supported by Whangārei and Far North District Councils
Green Drinks
Green Drinks serves as a global grassroots networking initiative that brings together individuals monthly with a shared commitment to environmental sustainability in a relaxed social setting.
Held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Hosting alternates between Eco Solutions and Tai Tokerau Timebank.
More details here.
Next event:
Tuesday 19 May | 6.00-7.30pm | Healthy Homes, 141A Cameron Street, Whangārei (between Partmaster and The Tool Shed)
This Green Drinks is an exciting opportunity to learn what happens to tons of clothing destined for landfill but is rescued and converted into everyday useful materials!
Judy Keats, Environmental Educator with EcoSolutions, will be presenting on the Textile Recycling Network, a recent initiative lead by CBEC (Community Business and Environment Centre) with funding from the Ministry for the Environment.
Since August 2025 in Te Tai Tokerau, three centres have been in operation working with local op shops to turn garment ‘waste’ into useful products.
In Whangārei, three main op shops supply regular donations of unsold clothing for processing into mattresses, home insulation and weed matting. Volunteers, which include Timebank members earning time credits, remove buttons, zips, studs etc and sew mattress covers. All Heart NZ transport the processed textiles to Textile NZ in Auckland where they are transformed into new products.
Come along on Tues 19th May at 6pm to hear more about the project, see products made from recycled clothing, meet volunteers and enjoy connecting with like-minded locals!
Refreshments provided.
For more info contact: judy@cbec.co.nz or janeype.tttimebank@gmail.com
MAY
Everybite Food Appreciation Month
2 May | 2.00 - 4.30pm | Whare Awhina Community Cafe launch event with Chef Michelle Ace. Learn simple and budget friendly tips for making condiments that jazz up your leftovers, along with numerous food storage techniques before we try out one of her favourite 'go to' dishes. Spot prizes for lucky attendees. Register here.
6 May | 5.00 - 7.00pm | Te Ahu Kitchens Kaitaia: Everybite launch event with Jo Shanks, our local expert at making delicious fresh food that lasts longer, and cost less!
8 May | 6.00 - 8.00pm | Kingston House Kerikeri; hosted by celebrity chef Anna Valentin for a fun and tasty workshop on how to reduce food waste, save money and eat well! 6 June | 2.00 - 4.00pm | Whare Āwina Community Cafe; 'Preserves & Prizes' hosted by chef Michelle Ace focussing on her specialty food preservation techniques. Giveaways for everyone completing the 4 week programme. EVERYBITE FOOD APPRECIATION MONTH - 4 week programme designed to support positive changes to waste less food. Every Bite is a nation-wide four week programme, designed to help households become more food resourceful, with a goal of reducing food waste across Aotearoa. Join us to learn yummy, easy, and simple cooking and food prep techniques to make your kai go further and save money. Less waste, more savings, and delicious results the whole whanau will love! What to Expect: This four-week journey includes two in-person sessions (one at the start and one at the end), weekly check-ins, plus three easy at-home actions to help you get the most out of your food. At this FREE event, we’ll be sharing kai and learning the basic cooking and food storage techniques you might not have thought of - Learn about the Every Bite programme and how it can help your household - Watch a live cooking demo featuring simple, budget-friendly ways to make stocks, broths, flavourful powders, tasty fried rice and feijoa fizz - Enjoy dinner on us - including eating the kai you just learned to prepare - Connect with others in your community who also want to learn about reducing food waste and saving money in the kitchen - Spot prizes and FREE take home resources to help you on your journey! Throughout the four weeks, you'll receive newsletters packed with tips and tricks and have access to our private messenger or WhatsApp groups to share progress, ask questions, and celebrate wins. Spot prizes for your tips and feedback on trying our three simple actions. We’ll come together again for a final in-person session to reflect on the journey and celebrate our impact. - Enjoy delicious shared kai featuring budget friendly, zero-waste dishes - Share what you’ve learned and hear from others in the group - Attend our wrap-up event to complete the programme and for the chance to win some fantastic prizes Be part of this movement to reduce food waste, save money, and build a stronger, more sustainable community! Spaces are limited, so register now! JUNE 6 June | 2.00 - 4.00pm | Whare Awhina Community Cafe Everybite wrap event - Preserves & Prizes with Chef Michelle Ace. Another wonderful opportunity to gain insight on food storage techniques, including fermentation and pickle making. Prizes will be offered to participants that complete the 4 week programme. JULY Plastic Free July Event AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Crafting a Zero Waste Christmas 30 November | 10-12:30pm | He Awhi Rito Envirohub A&P Summer Show December | Barge ShowgroundsKick-off Event | Saturday 2 May 2-4:30pm Whare Āwhina Community Cafe
Every Bite Programme
Wrap-up Event | Saturday 6 June 2-4pm Whare Āwhina Community Cafe
We're running a workshop to look at fun ways to reduce the amount of waste we create this Christmas. We'll be creating re-usable/compostable wrapping and decorations that's personalised to you and your whānau.
There will be a variety of craft stations and everything you make on the day you can take home with you for free.
There will be activities for all ages. Bring the whole family and get creative in reducing your waste this Christmas - while making everything more personalised and fun!
Entry is free and you get to keep everything that you make on the day.
Free entry with registration here.
Come find us at the A&P show! We'll be there providing free recycling and waste advice. As well as answering all your questions about composting and making your own zero-waste products. If you've missed any of our events this year, this is your chance to ask us about any of them. We'll also have an activity station to keep the kids entertained while you chat to us.
When/Where
SH14 Whangārei
$15pp. Students $5, kids under 5 free.
More details here
Find all the details here
