Applications open on 1 October for groups and organisations who have waste minimisation projects requiring funding.

The grant scheme offers two distinct funding pathways depending on the size and scale of your project:

Tier 1: Up to $50,000 for substantial, long-term community or neighbourhood initiatives.

Tier 2: Up to $5,000 for smaller, quick-response projects, events, or workshops.

To gain funding, your project must support Porirua’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. The council prioritises ideas that target the top levels of the Waste Hierarchy, focusing on preventing waste before it starts:

Reduce / Rethink: Stopping waste at the source (e.g., establishing a community tool library or something innovative).

Reuse / Repair: Giving items a second life (e.g., setting up a local repair café, bicycle repair workshops, or material swap hub).

Recycle / Compost: Keeping organic resources out of landfill (e.g., building a community garden composting system or neighbourhood food waste collection).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through https://poriruacity.govt.nz/…/community…/reduce-waste/

If you want to check if your idea qualifies or need advice, contact the Council’s waste team directly at reducewaste@poriruacity.govt.nz