The Western Bay of Plenty region is losing a valuable resource, which could enrich its soils or be processed for a high-value return and provide new employment opportunities, with every truck-load of reject kiwifruit that is headed for Waikato dairy farms. 

That’s the view of Katikati Taiao, which is hosting an Organic Waste Forum in Katikati on Tuesday, October 6, to discuss harnessing the value of waste kiwifruit – and other organic material – via an industrial process. The concept involves building a pilot-scale facility in Katikati and a steering group to steward the project is sought.

“We hope that an innovative, community-led initiative will lead to a pilot project that adds value to a local waste stream, to benefit our economy and the environment including training and employment opportunities,” says one of the forum co-ordinators, Anne Billing.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is a reminder of how important it is to aim for a resilient, connected and caring community, so that no one gets left behind when challenging events such as this affect our community.”

Currently most of the Western Bay of Plenty’s kiwifruit unsuitable for export is sent to the Waikato where it is used for animal feed. However, Katikati Taiao chairman Paul O’Neil says if processed in Katikati, the fruit could form the basis of a valuable resource for the region and also assist in futureproofing the kiwifruit industry by helping it become part of a circular economy.

Keynote speakers

The idea of the Organic Waste Forum came out of the environmental stream of the Hearts and Minds of Katikati research carried out by Katikati Taiao last year. It was to be held in March 2020, but Covid-19 meant the event had to be postponed.

However, keynote speakers from the March event will take part in the October Forum, including Debbie O’Byrne, MBA, circular economy and organisational management specialist, who will join the event by live video link from Australia, allowing attendees to ask questions in real time.

Norm Boyle, CEO of Australian company Food Recycle, will also take part in the forum via live video link to discuss his company’s patented process converting commercial food waste into high value products.

Steve Erickson, of ‘Chaos Springs’, a regenerative farming and industrial composting specialist with 37 years’ experience organic farming, market gardening and commercial composting, both in Utah and New Zealand, will also address the forum.

Worm farms

Another speaker is Michael Quintern, the founder and a director of MyNOKE, who is an expert in designing and establishing worm farms for various waste streams. 

Tiki Bluegum, Katikati Taiao trustee and kaumatua and cultural advisor for Te Rereatukahia Marae, will open the Forum.

As well as presenting pertinent information on the science and technical feasibility, research, employment opportunities and funding pathways for a project, the forum will also include an industry Q&A panel so those attending may ask questions.

“With expert speakers, this is a key educational opportunity for anyone involved in the kiwifruit industry and other stakeholders,” says Anne.

“We predict this project will be a local sustainability success story. One with quadruple bottom-line benefits; economic, social, environmental, and cultural. And it will be a great story to tell the international consumers of kiwifruit.

“By working together, we can add value and resilience to our region, and we look forward to seeing everyone interested in attending on October 6. It’s not all talk; there will be delicious food and drinks but numbers are limited so make sure you RSVP.”

The Organic Waste Forum is on October 6, from 2.15pm-5.30pm at Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Rd, Katikati. RSVP to Kaye Robinson at: katikatitaiaosecretary@gmail.com