Talking Taiao

Join Sophie Walker and garden kaitiaki, Dominic Bell, as they chat about the vibrant life of the Marfell Community Garden this spring. Hear about new initiatives, kai growing strong, sustainable taiao practices, and what’s planned for raumati. A wholesome blend of laughter, learning, and māra-inspired wisdom.

Hannah is a physiotherapist in Taranaki, and she has recently graduated with a Master of Sustainable Development Goals from Massey University. Tune in with Elric as they discuss what the course was, what she has been taught, what she loved and what she plans to do now in this space.

In this episode, Sophie Walker and Suzy Randall from Sustainable Taranaki share how the Business Support Programme is helping local businesses and events reduce waste, embrace circular thinking, and create lasting positive change. With hands-on guidance, practical tools, and a supportive community, Sustainable Taranaki is making it easier than ever to take real steps toward a greener future.

Why should we bring passenger trains to Taranaki? How can you support it? Elric is discussing with Louise James and Sharon Bevins from the Future is Rail Taranaki to find out why bringing back passenger trains would be great for all of us. Make sure you sign their online petition!

Join Sophie as she chats with Rachel Eckersley from Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR). Discover how Taranaki schools and their whānau are diving into the moana, learning to snorkel, exploring protected marine environments, and embracing kaitiakitanga. From school pools to Goat Island, Rachel shares inspiring stories of tamariki connecting with their local marine world.

From concerts to sporting events, Taranaki’s going zero waste! Sophie chats with Suzy Randall, our Zero Waste Events Manager, about what it really takes to keep events landfill-free, the latest innovations in waste reduction, and how you can make your next gathering greener.

In this episode Sophie and Cath chat with Franziska of Bumblebee Bakery & Crop Swap Aotearoa, and Amanda-Jane of Everkind Organic skincare. We learn about their journeys, insights, and the inspiration behind Evolving Organically, a celebration of sustainability, community, and conscious enterprise as part of Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2025.

Jeanne was born in Madagascar. She arrived in France when she was 4, grew up in the South, then lived in Grenoble and Lyon on her own before travelling to New Zealand for a planned 12 month holiday in 2018. Life decided otherwise though, as 6 months after arriving, Jeanne met a special someone in New Plymouth who is now her husband. Almost 8 years later, Jeanne is now a permanent resident and loves living in Taranaki.

Jeanne is now starting her own business, Éternel by J.T (handcrafted paper flowers) and aside, she teaches French at Lingua (languages school). Jeanne loves the fashion industry, the arts, cooking (of course), gardening (a lot) and travelling with her husband across the globe.

Joe has grown up in Taranaki, lived in Guatemala and England, and has been the Operations Lead of Sustainable Taranaki for the past four years. Learn more about how it is to manage a local non-profit with a team of 30 people running about 12 different programmes at the moment!

How can an ordinary backyard become a place of learning? In this episode of Talking Taiao Sophie sits down with Cath Stabb, Sustainable Trails Coordinator, to explore the lessons our māra (gardens) can teach us, from growing kai and nurturing tamariki to building climate resilience. We’ll also look ahead to the Taranaki Sustainable Trails 31 October - 16 November 2025, with kid-friendly activities, community and school gardens, and free seeds to inspire whānau to learn, grow, and play in the taiao. www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz