Waihī Beach is making significant strides in sustainability by reducing plastic waste, according to Sustainable Waihī Beach co-ordinator Pip Coombes.

“Two years after the launch of Sustainable Waihī Beach by Rt Hon Helen Clark, the community has achieved remarkable progress,” Coombes noted.

A key achievement has been the installation of 11 water refill stations, funded by the Packaging Forum and the Western Bay of Plenty Council, which has prevented over 85,000 single-use plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.

These refill stations stretch from the North End to Anzac Bay, and the initiative aims to educate and encourage the community to utilise them.

To enhance accessibility, two wheelchair-friendly refill stations have been added: one at the North End near accessible beach mats and picnic tables, and another at Island View Playground.

Helen Clark has commended the efforts.

“An estimated 828 million single-use plastic bottles are thrown away every year in New Zealand, which works out to about 168 per person, or three a week per Kiwi. If we each refilled just one three times, we’d save around 257 million plastic bottles a year from going to landfill,” said Clark.

“The numbers here speak for themselves. This is a massive win for our environment, and it’s all thanks to the community’s commitment to refilling and cutting down on plastic waste. A huge shoutout to everyone doing their part! We’re saving our environment, one refill at a time.”

Pupils from Waihī Beach School also participated in the initiative.

“Every time I use the refill stations, I know I’m helping the environment. Something as simple as refilling a bottle can stop plastic from polluting our oceans. It’s worrying to think that by 2050 plastic could outweigh fish in the sea,” said Year 6 pupil Indi Smith.

Sustainable Waihī Beach has introduced Community Beach Clean Pods, motivating locals and visitors to pick up litter using ‘Community Ipu Rāpihi’ (buckets).

“This has led to a 73% reduction in visible macro-rubbish on the beach and surrounding reserves,” said Coombes.

Looking ahead, a new initiative aimed at reducing Single-Use Coffee Cups (SUC) will be launched in collaboration with Waihī Beach School, to further cut down on waste.

Additionally, a recycling scheme for soft food and beverage containers will target difficult-to-recycle items like alternative milk and drink containers.

“Waihī Beach is committed to creating a more sustainable future – together, we’re making waves,” Coombes said.