A milestone moment!

Wahi Tukurua, Mercury Bay’s dedicated waste reduction and environmental advocacy charity, has proudly taken home the Waste Minimisation and Environmental Award at the Hauraki Coromandel District Council Business Awards. As the only charity among the finalists, this recognition highlights the power of community-led action and the impact of everyday choices in building a sustainable future.

Driven entirely by volunteers, Wāhi Tukurua has led a wave of initiatives in the past year—from the SUCFree campaign to reduce single-use cups, to the successful World Cleanup Day. Their efforts are united by a single, powerful message: every choice we make has a lasting impact. Whether it’s choosing a reusable cup over a disposable one, recycling your batteries or participating in an annual cleanup event - these small steps add up to meaningful change.

"This award is truly for everyone who’s chosen to make a difference," says Tracey Bell, Chair of  Wāhi Tukurua. "Every step, no matter how small, counts in our shared journey to reduce waste and protect our unique environment."

Megan Edmeades, Tracey Bell & Kat Neilson-Jones (Wāhi Tukurua Trustees) with Ian Coastsworth Award Sponosr (Seagull Centre Chair)