Half a million dollars from the government's Waste Minimisation Fund has been set aside for a successful zero waste programme.
Para Kore has a vision for all marae to be working towards zero waste by 2025. Photo: Supplied / Para Kore
Para Kore is a programme that works with Māori to increase reusing, recycling and composting of materials.
It is already in hundreds of marae and kura around the country and Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage said the extra money would allow expansion into four new regions - Te Tai Tokerau, Wairoa, Maniapoto and Wairarapa.
"Para Kore whānau are passionate and committed to achieving a zero waste Aotearoa by working together at their marae, the heart of their communities.
"And they do it through māturanga Māori, te reo me tikanga Māori - that is Māori knowledge and the Māori way of doing things.
"The Para Kore model has been so successful that there are now marae, kohanga and kura throughout the country on waiting lists to become part of the programme."
Receiving almost $1.5 million from the Waste Minimisation Fund during its tenure, the programme has so far diverted more than 350 tonnes of waste away from landfills.
It now employs 25 staff including 17 regional waste advisors.
Para Kore has a vision for all marae to be working towards zero waste by 2025.
Ms Sage urged more Māori organisations with an interest in doing waste minimisation work to apply for funding in the 2020 round.