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Waiheke Resources Trust – Big Impact from a Little Island

Let me tell you about one of my favourite feel-good finds: the Waiheke Resources Trust (WRT). If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit Waiheke Island, you’ll know it’s a slice of paradise just off the coast of Auckland. But beyond the beautiful beaches and vineyards, there’s a whole lot of grassroots magic happening—and WRT is at the heart of it.


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🌱 From the Ground Up


WRT has been rocking the sustainability boat since 1998 (yep, they’ve been at it longer than reusable coffee cups have been cool). Their mission? To create a sustainable future where community and environment thrive together. It’s not just talk—they’re actually doing the mahi. Whether you’re a full-time local or a weekend wanderer, WRT is all about getting people involved in real, meaningful change.


What They Do (and Why You’ll Love It)


WRT is like the Swiss Army knife of sustainability. Their approach is hands-on, practical, and a little bit legendary. Here’s what they’re up to:


  • Restoring Wetlands: Their “Love Our Wetlands” project is all about rewilding, replanting, and reconnecting. Volunteers get muddy (in the best way), restoring native habitats and bringing biodiversity back.


  • Protecting Waterways: Their Waiheke Waterways program tracks pollution, educates the public, and helps keep the island’s precious water sources safe and clean.


  • Empowering the Next Generation: Kids roll up their sleeves and explore wetlands, coastlines, and marine ecosystems through immersive, nature-based education. It’s learning with salty toes and muddy hands!


  • Kai Conscious Living: This one’s a game-changer—WRT rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and turns it into meals, gardens, and cooking classes. It’s all about feeding people, not landfills.


  • Waste Not, Want Not: Through Zero Waste Waiheke and Compost Co., they’re proving that even food scraps have a second chance. Compost from local leftovers gets turned into gold for island gardens. That’s the circular economy, island-style.


  • Knowledge is Power: WRT supports research, hosts workshops, and even helps shape policy. They walk the talk and help others do the same.



🏡 The Sustainability Centre


Since 2016, WRT has had a home base—the Sustainability Centre in Oneroa. Think of it as their eco-hub and community living room. It’s solar-powered (naturally), and it’s where the magic happens: think workshops, events, and space for locals to gather, learn, and get inspired.


Powered by People


WRT is led by the amazing Michael Maahs and a team of passionate changemakers. But what really makes this place hum is the spirit of collaboration. They work closely with iwi, local government, schools, businesses, and volunteers. It’s all about connection—because change doesn’t happen solo.



🙌 How You Can Help


Live on Waiheke? Planning a visit? Just love what they’re doing? There are so many ways to jump in:


  • Volunteer for a planting day

  • Pop into a workshop

  • Hire the Sustainability Centre for your next event

  • Or donate to one of their awesome projects



Why We’re Inspired


Waiheke Resources Trust shows that when communities care deeply and act locally, they can spark massive change. They’re proving that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. And honestly? We think the world needs more of that.


So here’s to WRT—sowing seeds (sometimes literally) for a better tomorrow, one project, one person, and one passionate community at a time.

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