EcoMatters Environment Trust
- Background
- Purpose
- Location
- Organisational Values
- What we do?
- Current programmes, projects and initiatives
- EcoShop
EcoMatters Environment Trust (EcoMatters) is a charitable entity based in New Lynn, Auckland. EcoMatters was established in 2002 and currently employs 20 staff members. EcoMatters delivers a wide range of community-based environmental initiatives, predominantly in partnership with local authorities, including programmes and projects in the areas of waste minimisation, energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable living. EcoMatters is the only organisation of its kind in the Auckland region offering such a breadth and depth of environmental services.
EcoMatters was formed with the goal of consolidating the expertise and experience of three separate community-based trusts involved in environmental improvement projects in Waitakere - Keep Waitakere Beautiful, Tag Out Trust and Weedfree Waitakere Trust. In 2004 the Sustainable Living Centre was opened at Olympic Park, New Lynn. It is situated on a main arterial route across Auckland, close to bus and train services. The Sustainable Living Centre provides information and displays on solar hot water and energy efficiency, green building and renovating, organic gardens and permaculture, solid waste and composting. It has reference materials and runs sustainable living workshops with a focus on practical advice and information.
The key objectives of EcoMatters and its Partner Trusts are to:
▪ Influence policy development by advocating for the environment
▪ Network with other agencies that share our objectives
▪ Build capacity in the community to understand the issues and take action
▪ Deliver environmental education projects and provide demonstration of practical solutions
The Olympic Park site is centrally located within the region and in close proximity to the New Lynn transport and development hub. It is centred on a section of partly restored urban stream, and includes the highly popular playground, arts bridge and interpretation trail.
Integrity EcoMatters carries out its work in the community professionally, respectfully and honestly. EcoMatters promotes an organisational culture of integrity and encourages open and honest communication with all of its stakeholders including staff, funders and community partners.
Leadership EcoMatters is a leader in the field of community based environmental services and is seen as an innovator by its stakeholders. EcoMatters encourages leadership amongst its staff and is committed to providing opportunities for professional development and personal growth.
Passion EcoMatters people are passionate about the community and the environment. EcoMatters regularly communicates this passion to our stakeholders and through media outlets.
Making a Difference EcoMatters provides practical and affordable courses of action that allow people to make a difference in their lives.
EcoMatters' projects provide valuable research and outcomes in the following areas:
▪ Reducing the community's demand for water
▪ Reducing household water and energy bills through conservation
▪ Promotion of environmental sustainability at primary school level upwards
▪ Promoting minimisation of household and commercial wastes
▪ Workshops and informative displays at the Sustainable Living Centre
▪ Stream and ecological habitat restoration
▪ Demonstration of water and energy 'green' technologies
▪ Bio-fuel including bio-diesel
▪ Promoting a return to food cultivation in the local community
▪ Working with developers to achieve local impact urban designs
Current programmes, projects and initiatives
Nine years of dedicated planning, fund-raising and sheer hard work have produced an impressive list of ongoing and successful initiatives, including:
