The Māori initiative “Para Kore” is the proud recipient of this year’s Energy Globe Award.
The Para Kore programme is based on reducing waste, recycling and composting at Marae and Māori events throughout the country.
The Energy Globe Award is today’s most prestigious environmental prize worldwide, with over 170 participating countries and more than 1500 project submissions every year.
Para Kore General Manager Jacqui Forbes says, "We are very proud to be the recipient of this year's Energy Globe Award.
Para Kore is all about Zero Waste in Māori communities. In 2009, we started with a pilot project of three marae. We are now supporting over 120 marae across Aotearoa to reduce waste through recycling and composting. To be presented with this year's Energy Globe Award for New Zealand means a lot to our whole team of dedicated kaimahi."
When selecting Para Kore as this year's winner, the jury stated: "Landfills and backyard burning of rubbish pose huge environmental challenges in New Zealand, leading to air and waterway pollution. This year's National Winner of the Energy Globe Award in New Zealand implemented a program supporting traditional meeting houses to avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle waste by providing knowledge and developing waste minimization systems. Congratulations to your initiative!"
The award was presented to Para Kore at a ceremony in Auckland.