Talking Taiao

Connecting people, place and wellbeing: what if we could support more people on bikes? How can we make it easier for our community to enjoy cycling around town? Meet Anton, the new North Taranaki Cycling Advocates coordinator, and learn about his vision and the NTCA's new kaupapa. Keen to get involved or wanting to learn more? Visit www.northtaranakicyclingadvocates.org

From small acts through to standing for nature through governance, we are discussing with the local Sarah Lucas how we can all protect our beautiful taiao - environment, here in Taranaki. In this episode we dive into Sarah's past experiences in Kosovo, Nepal, Franz Josef Glacier and Taranaki, to see how it shaped her current life and ideas.

How much can you save using reusable nappies? (Spoiler: thousands of dollars + a LOT of waste!) How does it work and what is great or "not too great" about them? Dom and his ex-partner created the perfect NZ reusable nappies a few years ago, here in Taranaki. He is discussing with us how his "sustainable nappies" journey went! P.S. Come to the Marfell Community Garden on Sundays 10am - 12pm to get your free bundle of 7 reusable nappies!

In this episode Sophie chats with Sustainable Taranaki's Organic Programmes Manager, Mieke Verschoor, about the important role community gardens play in creating healthier, more connected and sustainable communities. They explore what's been happening across Sustainable Taranaki's gardens, the benefits of growing local kai, and how people of all ages and experience levels can get involved. Join us for a relaxed and inspiring kōrero about growing food, friendships and resilience.

This week Sophie sits down with local artist and sustainability advocate Faye Chadburn for an uplifting kōrero about living in alignment with community and te taiao.

From plant-based living and choosing bike-and-bus transport, to weaving environmental values into creative practice, Faye shares how small, intentional choices can add up to meaningful change. The conversation explores practical, positive ways to live more lightly on the whenua, while staying grounded in joy, creativity and community.

Our mission is to inspire and support people, businesses, and communities to value our local taiao (environment) and act to prioritize sustainability.

This week Sophie chats with new Sustainable Trails Co-Coordinator Suzy Randall about the exciting road ahead for Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2026. Get to know Suzy, hear what inspires her about the kaupapa, and discover what makes the Trails such a special celebration of community, creativity and connection with te taiao. From sustainable backyards and eco-builds to regenerative farming and local storytelling, this episode offers a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026 — plus key dates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved and keep in the loop. www.sustainabletrails.org.nz

Green Loop is steadily building a local circular food waste system in Taranaki, from working bees and compost trials to richer soil outcomes. In this episode of Talking Taiao, Dave James from Juno Gin Distillery reflects on being Green Loop’s first food waste collection customer and what that early adoption has looked like in practice. The conversation also looks ahead to Green Loop’s participation in the Venture Taranaki PowerUp programme, with co-founder Sophie Walker set to present at the upcoming Showcase evening on 13th May. Get in touch if you want to join Green Loop: www.greenloop.org.nz

For the International Composting Awareness Week (4-10 May), we are discussing why composting is a WIN WIN WIN WIN! Starting from the very small lens looking at bacteria and the soil, to your māra - garden, and all the way to our wider economy, and our beautiful planet Earth, we are explaining in this episode all the incredible benefits of composting. Any questions? Keen to join one of our workshops? Know a business wanted to join Green Loop? Get in touch using our Socials or website! www.SustainableTaranaki.org.nz

After exploring Aotearoa New Zealand on her bike, Lydia decided to stay here and has been working for 3 years in Climate Change Policy. Learn more about her journey (all the way from the UK), her work, and her tips & ideas for being more sustainable in Taranaki.