Ten new projects made possible through Waste Minimisation Community Fund

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is supporting another round of practical, community-led initiatives that aim to reduce waste and recover valuable resources across the district.

Through its Waste Minimisation Community Fund (WMCF), QLDC has allocated nearly $60,000 to ten local projects that encourage smarter resource use, reduce waste sent to landfill, and support the district's goal of becoming zero waste.

This year's projects span a wide range of sectors, with a strong focus on construction and food waste – two priority areas for the districts Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.

“The range of projects this year is genuinely inspiring and shows just how much momentum there is behind waste minimisation across our communities,” said QLDC Waste Minimisation & Sustainability Advisor, Emma Brockie.

“We’re seeing creative, practical ideas, backed by sound methodologies to address some big waste challenges for our district and that will support us toward our zero waste goals. It’s exciting to see these projects go forward, as they’ll deliver real, lasting impact for our communities and our environment.”

Successful projects include a technology platform pilot to track construction waste and support diversion from landfill, on the ground delivery of waste education on construction sites, food waste reduction programmes for businesses and households and community workshops and events delivering education on repair, repurpose and reuse.

The WMCF is an annual contestable fund open to community groups, businesses, iwi/Māori organisations, schools and other community-based organisations. The fund includes $10,000 generously sponsored by WM New Zealand to support commercial waste minimisation projects.

This year's funding round attracted strong interest, with 17 applications requesting close to $200,000 in total. Applications were independently assessed against the fund criteria before recommendations were reviewed by a panel of Council staff and an elected member.

“Every year we’re continually impressed by the calibre of applications, and this year was no exception,” said Ms Brockie.

“We want to thank everyone that applied for this year's funding for their well-considered and impactful proposals. All of these projects show what could be possible at a practical, community-driven level to build a more circular economy and encourage lasting behaviour change across the district.”

The successful recipients for the 2026-2027 Waste Minimisation Community Fund are:

• Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association – Arrowtown Community & Visitor Waste Reduction Initiative (Single-Use Cup Free)

• Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association – Arrowtown Restaurant Waste Reduction Initiative

• Cook Brothers Construction – Building Smarter, Wasting Less

• IRONMAN New Zealand – DishRupt Queenstown Marathon

• KiwiHarvest – KiwiHomeHarvest

• KiwiHarvest – Souperhero Household Food Waste Education Programme*

• Protect Our Winters NZ – Winter Gear Repair Night

• Restaurant Association of New Zealand – Kai Keepers: Food Waste Reduction & Diversion Toolkit (Queenstown Lakes)

• Wānaka Community Workshop Trust – Women and Wood Workshop

• Without Waste Ltd – Pilot Project for Integrated Construction Waste Engagement & Diversion

*co-funded through QLDC's Community Fund

Visit our Waste Minimisation Community Fund page for more details.

ENDS|KUA MUTU

Media Contact: 

communications@qldc.govt.nz 

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri:

QLDC is proud to provide further support via a range of other funding opportunities:

• The QLDC Community Fund 2026-2027 provided $208,000 in funding to 30 local groups and organisations delivering projects and services that support community wellbeing across the district.

• The QLDC Events Fund 2026-2027 distributed $250,000 to 15 commercial and community events across the district, with a focus on sustainability, waste reduction, and positive community outcomes.

• The Heritage Incentive Grant 2026 supported one project this round, with $3,000 awarded towards the preservation of a Category 2 listed heritage building.

• A full list of recipients for the Community Fund, Events Fund, Heritage Incentive Grant, and Waste Minimisation Community Fund is available on the QLDC website at the respective fund webpages.