Waste Minimisation Grants Round

The next round of grants will open in early 2025.

The purpose of these grants is to build capacity and leadership to support community-led projects projects which reduce or avoid waste. The grants are open to business, community groups, schools and other organisations. Examples of suitable projects might include workshops and education programmes, materials and equipment and other costs to implement projects, or feasibility studies. We will consider both new projects, and opportunities to significantly extend or further develop existing projects beyond day to day ‘business as usual’.

Any organisation making an application above the value of $5,000 is requested to contact rethinkwaste@ncc.govt.nz to discuss their project before submitting.

Please carefully read the Rethink Waste applicant guidelines before applying. (219KB PDF) The guidelines also detail the full criteria and exclusions for the grants programme. Our staff are happy to chat at any time if you have any questions or would like further understanding of the fund criteria or how to apply (email rethinkwaste@ncc.govt.nz).

Projects will be assessed by a panel of specialist officers using the criteria and the following evaluation factors:

  • Where does the project fit in the waste hierarchy of rethink/avoid (high), reduce, reuse, recycle (low)?
  • What does success look like for your project and how will it be measured?
  • What is your ability/track record and capacity to deliver the project?
  • Will the project result in either a new activity, or a significant expansion of an existing activity outside of ‘business as usual’?
  • Will the project be of benefit to the Nelson region?
  • Applications across all areas of waste minimisation are welcome, but we have an interest in projects which avoid or reduce construction/demolition or food waste. In the event of receiving multiple applications, preference may be given to these waste streams. Please contact rethinkwaste@ncc.govt.nz if you would like to discuss this.

The extent to which proposals reflect Kaupapa Māori (incorporating the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of Māori society)*, or benefit/involve Māori, will also be considered:

  • Showing respect for Māori knowledge and values and learning from the valuable and unique insights and information that Kaupapa Māori provides.
  • Kaitiakitanga (guardianship): Working towards the common goal of respecting the environment. For example, how resources can be used for the benefit of all.
  • Whanaungatanga (building collaborative relationships): how can your project build meaningful and collaborative relationships across boundaries to achieve change? You may consider working with an iwi organisation or rangitahi if appropriate.
  • Manaakitanga (compassion):  building the principles of treating others with kindness and respect, giving back, and valuing learning from others.
  • Mahaki (generosity and humility): sharing of knowledge with generosity and humility to empower your community for the benefit of all.
  • Ako (learning and teaching): educating future generations of Māori and non-Māori, including learning from and preserving ancestral knowledge
  • Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi**

* Guidance and concepts of Kaupapa Māori written by Linda Tuhiwai-Smith and Fiona Cram http://www.rangahau.co.nz/ethics/166/

** https://www.archives.govt.nz/discover-our-stories/the-treaty-of-waitangi)

Please note that waste minimisation at events are not included in this scheme. Find out more about our other grant and subsidy programmes.

Grants awarded in 2023

  • Victory Community Gardens to establish a compost hub
  • Weka Peckers (shared with Tasman District Council) to upskill on providing advice on deconstruction
  • Nelson Environment and Construction Alliance to promote waste minimisation in the construction sector
  • Nelson Environment Centre to purchase a perforator to transform cardboard waste into packaging
  • Recycle a Device to expand their programme
  • Small Time Developments for biogas installations making use of organic waste for cooking
  • Yum Granola to extend their refillable container system

Grants awarded in 2022

  • Foodprint for the launch of their app to reduce food waste in the Nelson region
  • Stoke Toy Library for the creation of a loan ‘reusable birthday party kit’
  • Waste No More to undertake a feasibility study of options for waste minimisation at the Nelson Market
  • Recycle A Device to introduce the programme to Nelson schools
  • Habitat for Humanity for equipment to sort building waste and materials for reuse
  • Nelson Airport for a project to improve waste avoidance and minimisation at the airport
  • Three schools (Nelson Intermediate, Nayland College and Nayland Primary) to improve food waste diversion

Grants awarded prior to 2022

  • Chia Sisters – Purchase of reusable pallet covers Watch a video on YouTube
  • RefillNZ – Nelson Refill Challenge
  • Bridge Valley - Purchase of reusable lunch boxes for Stoke School lunches
  • St Stephens Church – support for Silver Service Repair Café
  • Mutu - Promotion of sharing platform in Nelson region
  • Chia Sisters – Purchase of Kegerator for use by local beverage organisations to encourage a ‘refill’ culture
  • Nelson Farmers Market – packaging reduction project
  • Wash Against Waste – increase capacity of Wash Against Waste trailer for larger events
  • Tahunanui Community Centre – development of reduce/reuse information hub
  • Ideal Cups – Promotion of new Cupcycling app
  • Nelson Tasman Climate Forum waste group – delivery of four Repair Cafes

Examples of other Waste Minimisation Grants from other Councils

Many other Councils provide waste minimisation grants – you can find examples of projects from other areas here:

Our Waste Management and Minimisation Plan has more information about Council and solid waste.