Sustainable Taranaki

What Sustainable Taranaki does

Sustainable Taranaki is a non-profit community organization founded in 1993 and headquartered in New Plymouth, New Zealand, operating across the Taranaki region. It delivers a portfolio of sustainability programmes covering environmental education, zero waste services, food waste processing, community gardening, and business sustainability advisory. Its core service segments include schools and students (Te Ara Taiao environmental education with kiwi conservation and biodiversity curricula), local residents (community gardens, crop swaps, Seedsavers, Grow Your Own Food resources), food-insecure community members (Pātaka Kai and Food for Free network), and Taranaki businesses (Green Loop commercial food waste collection, business waste consulting, event waste management, construction waste management, and corporate volunteering). The organization is led by General Manager Steve Francis and supported by a small team of programme managers, education coordinators, and community garden coordinators, with deep integration of local hapū (Ngā Mahanga a Tairi, Ngāti Tupaea) and iwi cultural leadership.

The operational core of Sustainable Taranaki is the Green Loop programme, a regional food waste diversion system that collects commercial food waste and transforms it into nutrient-dense, carbon-sequestering compost returned to local farms, with the explicit aim of reducing landfill methane and transport emissions. Complementary programmes include Te Ara Taiao (environmental leadership development connecting schools, hapū, and DOC for kiwi translocation and monitoring), Crop Swap Aotearoa (backyard produce sharing), Seedsavers Taranaki (open-pollinated seed preservation), IMPACT for Youth (school sustainability projects), and the Zero Waste Programme partnered with WISE Charitable Trust and the Zero Waste Network. Most programmes and educational resources are delivered free to participants; the only direct commercial revenue line is the Crop Swap tea towel fundraiser at NZD 15 per towel.

Sustainable Taranaki is funded primarily through grants from government agencies, local councils, and corporate and philanthropic foundations. Confirmed financial partners include Meridian Energy, Lottery Grants Board, New Plymouth District Council, South Taranaki District Council, Stratford District Council, Toi Foundation, Rabobank Community Fund, Ministry for the Environment, WWF New Zealand, and Massey University. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed. The go-to-market motion is community-led — distributed through direct workshops, volunteer programmes, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok), the Pānui newsletter, the Sustainable Trails/Backyards Trail annual events (25,000+ visitors; 2025 edition expanded to 42 properties and 50+ events), and referral-based partnerships.

Name

Sustainable Taranaki

Legal name

Sustainable Taranaki

Website

https://sustainabletaranaki.org.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sustainable Taranaki is a New Zealand non-profit delivering sustainability education, community gardens, zero waste services, and the Green Loop commercial food waste composting programme to schools, residents, and businesses across the Taranaki region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Sustainability Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Community Food Services (624210), Materials Recovery Facilities (56292)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Waste, Recycling & Sustainability Services (EDAEAAAF), Environmental Services, Waste & Recycling Management (EDALALAI), Community-Based & Indigenous Tourism Enablement (Local Ownership, Benefit-Sharing) (THAAANAI)

Keywords

• Sustainability education
• Zero waste services
• Community gardens
• Food waste composting
• Environmental programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

New Plymouth

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grants and Funding: Primary funding from government agencies, local councils, and foundations including Meridian Energy, Lottery Grants Board, NPDC, Toi Foundation, Ministry for Environment, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sustainable Taranaki is a non-profit community organization that delivers sustainability education, zero waste services, business waste consulting, and community programmes across the Taranaki region of New Zealand. Its offerings include the Green Loop food waste-to-compost circular programme, Te Ara Taiao environmental education for schools, community gardens, crop swaps, seed saving, food rescue, and sustainability advisory for local businesses. Most programmes are delivered free to community members, funded through grants, donations, and council support.

Product overview

Sustainable Taranaki is a community-focused non-profit organization offering a portfolio of sustainability programs rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include Green Loop (food waste composting), Te Ara Taiao (environmental education), community gardens, Crop Swap, Seedsavers, volunteer programs, and business sustainability advisory services. These programs are complemented by resource directories (Shop Local Guide, Local Growers Directory), educational content (Grow Your Own Food guides), and community events like Electricarna. The organization operates as an integrated sustainability ecosystem connecting environmental education, food security, waste reduction, and community engagement across the Taranaki region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Green Loop Regional circular-economy programme that diverts commercial food waste from landfill, processes it into carbon-sequestering compost, and returns it at no cost to local Taranaki farms.
• Te Ara Taiao Environmental education programme that partners with schools, hapū, iwi, and the Department of Conservation to develop student environmental leadership, kiwi conservation, and biodiversity learning in Taranaki.
• Sustainable Business Support Advisory and consulting service helping Taranaki businesses adopt sustainability practices, reduce waste, and improve environmental impact.
• Crop Swap Taranaki Community programme that brings together backyard gardeners, home bakers, and food foragers for regular local food swapping and sharing events across Taranaki.
• Seedsavers Taranaki Local seed saving and sharing group that preserves and grows New Zealand open-pollinated seeds adapted to Taranaki conditions.
• Food for Free and Pātaka Kai Free food distribution network that connects community food banks, Pātaka Kai food cupboards, and food rescue organisations to address food insecurity across Taranaki.
• Zero Waste Programme Programme that works with community, businesses, and councils to reduce waste going to landfill, including zero waste events, training, and resource recovery through The Junction Zero Waste Hub.
• Community Gardens Taranaki Network of nine community gardens and orchards across Taranaki that provide shared growing spaces, food sovereignty, and community connection opportunities.
• Sustainable Taranaki Volunteers Volunteer programme that supports Sustainable Taranaki's events, education programmes, DIY projects, and gardening activities across the Taranaki region.
• Electricarna Event programme that showcases electric vehicles and e-bikes through education sessions and test drives to promote sustainable transport in Taranaki.
• Business Waste and Event Waste Management Commercial waste services for Taranaki businesses, including business waste consulting, event waste management, corporate volunteering programmes, and construction waste management.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Department of ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in Te Ara Taiao environmental education program, supporting kiwi conservation and biodiversity initiatives in the Taranaki region.
• Rotokare Scenic Reserve TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in kiwi conservation providing kiwi kōhanga (nursery) for the Te Ara Taiao program, supporting translocation and release of kiwi birds.
• Venture TaranakicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development partner collaborating on sustainability initiatives and community programs in Taranaki.
• WISE Charitable TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuns The Junction Zero Waste Hub, partnering on waste reduction education and resource recovery training.
• Zero Waste NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides zero waste training and resources, supporting community education on waste reduction and recycling.
• Taranaki Maunga ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in mountain conservation and environmental restoration projects across Taranaki.
• Local Hapū (Ngā Mahanga a Tairi, Ngāti Tupaea, and others)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural partners in Te Ara Taiao program, providing mātauranga Māori and supporting environmental leadership for rangatahi.
• Taranaki Kiwi TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in kiwi conservation efforts, supporting monitoring and protection programs in the Kaitake ranges.
• WWF New ZealandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization funder supporting conservation programs.
• Massey UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner supporting research and innovation in sustainable agriculture.
• EnviroschoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting sustainability education in schools across Taranaki.
• Trees for Survival TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting native tree planting and riparian restoration programs with schools.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Keep New Zealand Beautiful: Keep New Zealand Beautiful is a long-running NZ environmental NGO focused on litter reduction, waste education, and community beautification programs. It is a direct peer in zero-waste education and community sustainability.
• Enviroschools: Enviroschools is a New Zealand sustainability education program for schools, which Sustainable Taranaki partners with via Te Ara Taiao. It is directly comparable as a school-based environmental education platform.
• Para Kore: Para Kore is a New Zealand zero waste organization with strong Māori community focus, working with marae, kura, and businesses on waste reduction. It directly parallels Sustainable Taranaki's Green Loop zero waste mission and community-led delivery model.
• Sustainable Coastlines: Sustainable Coastlines is a New Zealand charity running environmental education, community cleanups, and volunteer-driven conservation events. It mirrors Sustainable Taranaki's volunteer-led, community-engagement-driven approach to environmental outcomes.
• Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance (NZ Food Network): The NZ Food Network is a national food rescue and redistribution organization. It parallels Sustainable Taranaki's Food for Free and Pātaka Kai community food security programs.
• Zero Waste Network: Zero Waste Network is a New Zealand organization providing zero waste training, resources, and community education. It is already a named partner of Sustainable Taranaki, making it directly comparable in mission and offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Forest & Bird: Forest & Bird is New Zealand's largest independent conservation NGO, advocating for native species protection including kiwi. It is a broader incumbent covering overlapping conservation and advocacy territory.
• WWF New Zealand: WWF New Zealand is a major international-affiliated conservation NGO operating nationally on environmental advocacy and species protection. It is a broad incumbent that already funds Sustainable Taranaki and competes for similar donor dollars.
• Predator Free New Zealand: Predator Free NZ is a nationwide initiative focused on predator control to protect native species such as kiwi. It overlaps with Sustainable Taranaki's Te Ara Taiao kiwi conservation work and school-based environmental leadership.

Emerging players

• Trees That Count: Trees That Count is a New Zealand native tree planting charity connecting planters, funders, and planting partners. It is an emerging player in restoration and riparian planting, areas where Sustainable Taranaki is active through schools and conservation programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SustainableTaranaki
• Facebookfacebook.com/SustainableTaranaki
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainable-taranaki
• Instagraminstagram.com/sustainabletaranaki
• TikToktiktok.com/@sustainabletaranaki

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sustainable Taranaki