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.

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

What if you could start your own communal garden around Taranaki? Shari shares her experience of creating Growmeez, a local communal garden producing a LOT, and not only veggies!

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

What’s happening beneath the surface of our moana? In this episode of Talking Taiao on Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, Sophie sits down with Cam Hunt, Senior Ranger for DOC Taranaki, to talk about the Tapuae and Parininihi Marine Reserves, the state of our marine life, and the mahi DOC is leading to restore the coastal environment around New Plymouth. Discover how you and your whānau can play a part in protecting our blue backyard.

The Green Loop is now launched! This new local social enterprise is collecting food waste from businesses and converting it into soil for our farms in Taranaki. Join Mieke and Sophie explaining how this project started and how it works. Visit www.GreenLoop.org.nz for more info!

Join Sophie Walker and Elric Aublant on Talking Taiao as they chat about fun ways to volunteer. From zero waste events and community gardens to beach cleanups and the Sustainable Backyards Trails. There’s plenty coming up to get involved, connect with others, and help care for our taiao!

Join host Sophie as she chats with Catherine Stabb, Sustainable Trails Manager, about the inspiring properties and hosts featured in this year’s Hit the Trail series. From solar-powered homes to lush bio-intensive veggie gardens and abundant orchards, the Sustainable Trails open the gates to some of the most innovative and eco-friendly backyards in Taranaki. Discover clever tips you can try at home, meet the passionate people behind the projects.

From gardens that give back to builds that breathe, and farms that put the whenua first, the 2025 Sustainable Trails programme is back and better than ever! Join Talking Taiao host Sophie Walker as she chats with Catherine Stabb, Sustainable Trails Manager, about this year’s inspiring lineup: the Sustainable Backyards Trail, Sustainable Builds, and Sustainable Farms. Discover tips for visiting, how to get involved, and why working with nature makes all the difference.

We discard 800,000 coffee cups a day in Aotearoa. Dave and Elric discuss why this is a BIG issue and what we can all do to fix it. From local companies leading the way to the technicalities (and greenwashing) behind "100% compostable plastic-free packaging", there is a lot to take away in this episode!

In this episode of Talking Taiao, Sophie chats with Sustainable Taranaki’s Organic Programmes Manager, Mieke Verschoor, about how to keep your māra (garden) thriving during the colder months. From composting tips and whānau-friendly garden ideas to what’s brewing in the community gardens of Marfell. It’s a celebration of winter abundance and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just planting your first seed, there’s something here to warm your hands and heart.

In this inspiring episode, host Sophie Walker sits down with Elise Smith from the Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society to dive deep into the world of marine conservation in Taranaki. From the history of the Tapuae Marine Reserve to hands-on programmes like Experiencing Marine Reserves and Kororā Kōrero, Elise shares how the society is nurturing kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in our communities. You’ll hear about curious penguins, underwater adventures with tamariki, and how everyday people can help protect our precious moana.

This week, Amber and Monique are joining us to discuss rangatahi (youth) engagement to protect our taiao (environment). Local events, what our local youth care about, and how they can be involved: tune in for lots of useful info!

In this special episode of Talking Taiao, Sophie Walker and Elric Aublant from Sustainable Taranaki kōrero about all things Plastic Free July. From easy everyday swaps to their brand-new interactive map of zero-plastic businesses across Taranaki. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, local gems, and a few fun challenges to help you join the kaupapa. Whether you're a plastic-free pro or just curious to try, there's something here for everyone. Let’s go plastic-free, Taranaki-style!

Our mission is to inspire and support people, businesses, and communities to value our local taiao (environment) and act to prioritize sustainability. On today's episode we celebrate the 20th year of Farmers Market Taranaki. Bringing fresh, genuine, local food to our Taranaki community since 2005, the producers make, bake and grow the freshest food possible. Located in the heart of New Plymouth city, the market is a vibrant scene for locals & visitors alike to come together and enjoy live music from local artists, while shopping for the freshest local produce.

On this episode of Talking Taiao, host Sophie Walker chats with Michelle Byrne from Your Home, Naturally about the powerful impact of making your own cleaning products. Learn how these simple swaps can boost your health, reduce waste, and help care for Papatūānuku (the planet). Michelle shares her best beginner tips, favourite ingredients, and how to get tamariki involved.

Meet Matt from Ground Breaking Mushrooms! He shares with us his passion and knowledge about mushrooms. Local NZ mushrooms, secrets to easily grow them at home, and tips to avoid plastic and make the most of this incredible food. Visit Ground Breaking Mushrooms or Sustainable Taranaki's website and socials to learn more and join future workshops!

In this episode of Talking Taiao on Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, Sophie dives into the rich world of environmental podcasts. From local gems here in Aotearoa to powerful global favourites. Whether you're into climate science, conservation, sustainable fashion, or green living, this episode shares podcast recommendations to inform, inspire, and ignite your passion for protecting Papatūānuku.