Wow… April already.
How time flies when you are having fun! My how true that saying is!

Well, I have to start by saying I was one on the lucky people who received one of 5 free Waste Awareness Magazines that Susa was giving away.  Thank you Susa, I slipped that into the Wanaka Wastebusters smoko room for some lunchtime perusal.
So, just wanting to write a few words after reading the latest CRN e-newsletter.
It’s great to receive these monthly updates especially after making such wonderful contacts throughout the network at the CRN Hui in Nov. It really keeps the connection strong with updates on what hot and what’s not around the country. I definitely have popped the date in my diary for next year and can’t wait to hear what they will have for the line up.

One of the changes was Sue stepping down as CRN Chairperson and Marty Hoffart from Tauranga-based EERST (Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust) stepping up. Exciting news on both fronts.

Good luck Sue, in your new role with the Green Party.

After having Sue as my boss at Wanaka Wastebusters for the last 2 ½ years I know how passionate she is about her work, also how inspiring she is to listen to. It will be fantastic to know her here as my Boss, and also being able to support her in any way we can on her political journey with the Green Party. You’ve got our vote Sue. .
Marty, I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting both at the CRN Hui and also this month in Palmerston North, where many of the CRN exec were for the Wasteminz conference, and were we for part of our Unpackit roadshow.

Another exciting happening is that CRN has partnered with RCN to develop a nationwide network (RCN e-Cycle) of 20+ drop off locations for e-waste recycling all over New Zealand. Of these 20, eight are CRN member sites that will be involved as depots which is fantastic. Wanaka Wastebusters is going to be one of these depots.
This is a first in New Zealand for a community electronics recycling project of this kind. It will provide an everyday solution that will offer responsible handling, dismantling and recycling of e-waste.
It is going to be great to be able to see, and be involved, in e-waste being recycled in the best way possible.

Its been a crazy few months for us here at Wanaka wastebusters.

The Unpackit roadshow has been in full swing traveling the length of the country, performing at schools, markets, recycle centres, parks and more…..
We had the opportunity to visit many of the CRN member sites and meet the staff of so many different community groups involved in recycling, reuse, composting, waste reduction and waste education throughout NZ, to be able to see the different services each place has to offer.
It really made us feel connected to the CRN network as a whole, to have the chance to be able to see the bigger picture. Its really wonderful to be linked to so many places and to be inspired by everyone all doing such tremendous jobs. The knowledge that can be shared, the support in knowing how many others are all working towards the same goal. Awesome….

Well, things here in Wanaka are slowing down a little, a bit of time to breathe before the madness of winter kicks in with all the ski fields opening in a couple of months.

That’s all from me for now.
Thanks CRN and Wanaka Wastebusters for all the opportunities that come my way.
To be able to do a job that is helping to make a difference within our community and the environment we live in, it’s something that i wouldn’t swap for the world.
Ciao
Ivy