Ā Mātou Pou E Toru

At Sustainable Hawke’s Bay, everything we do stands on three pou – guiding pillars that shape our mahi and help us stay focused on what matters most. These pou reflect the challenges we face as a region, and the opportunities we have to create real, lasting change when we work together.​
Protecting nature, restoring balance

Our ecosystems are under pressure – from degraded waterways to vanishing native bush and marine habitats on the brink.

We believe in regeneration, not just conservation. Through education, planting, predator control, citizen science and partnerships with mana whenua, we’re supporting the return of healthy, resilient ecosystems across our region. Because when our biodiversity thrives, so do we.

Closing the loop and changing the system

We’re helping Hawke’s Bay shift from a throwaway culture to a circular one – where resources are valued, waste is minimised, and people are supported to make better choices.

From waste audits to composting workshops, soft plastic recycling to waste-free events, our programmes show what’s possible when we think differently about what we use and what we discard. Waste isn’t just a problem – it’s an opportunity to do better.

Strong people, connected communities

Whether it’s climate change, cost of living, or natural disasters – resilience matters. We’re working to strengthen local food systems, build practical knowledge, and empower communities to respond to the challenges ahead.

That means everything from hosting sustainability workshops and community gardens, to supporting neighbourhood connections and shared resources. Resilience starts at home, and grows outwards.