With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time for planting, pruning, and tidying up the grounds. But all that gardening brings a natural build-up of organic waste.

At The Sterling, Kaiapoi, residents are turning that waste into opportunity. Through their Garden Group and Sustainability Group, the retirement village is driving innovative solutions to divert organic waste and recyclable waste from landfill.

What was once a bare plot of land just three years ago is now a vibrant garden thanks to the efforts of a small group of gardeners who have planted fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Garden Group co-chair Gina Anson says the group meets every three weeks on a Saturday to talk about their plans for the garden.

“We have 20 members now and we use a roster system where people take turns watering and harvesting. We provide composting bins and a worm farm for residents to put their food scraps into.

“Any unused produce is turned into relishes and pickles using donated jars and sold to residents at the Sterling Clubhouse during happy hour.”

The Garden Group’s actions have even been recognised at a national level, winning a Retirement Villages Association (RVA) Sustainability Award earlier this year.

Gardening aside, The Sterling, Kaiapoi also provides a recycling system which is managed by the Sustainability Group. Resident Celia Wiren says bins are provided exclusively for residents.

“We collect items such as soft plastics, plastic lids and caps, metal lids and caps, aluminium cans, batteries, reading glasses, and food waste from the Clubhouse. Core members then take responsibility for emptying these bins and ensuring the materials reach the appropriate community collection points.”

The group also organises guest speakers and educational visits to different forms of waste recycling facilities such as Living Earth, our former waste provider’s processing plant, and the Kate Valley landfill.

They recently partnered with the Silverstream Social Club and Eco Educate to run the inaugural Silverstream Clean Up where they collected more than 30kg of rubbish. There are more clean-ups planned for 2026.

Council’s Waste Minimisation Officer Maria Lamb, who met with residents in October, says she’s impressed by the number of items being collected and diverted from landfill. She was also able to share additional recycling and waste minimisation programmes that are available.

“It was fantastic to see such a forward-thinking group of people eager to make a difference for the environment,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what this group does next.”

Love Your Organics - Win this Spring

Got clever tips, tricks or hacks for reusing your food or garden waste? Share your ideas and get in the draw to win 1 of 5 eco prize packs.

Enter here: waimakariri.govt.nz/loveyourorganics

Photo 1: Garden Group members Gina Anson and Edward Sands in front of The Sterling, Kaiapoi's community garden.
Photo 2: The Garden Group's worm farm that's available for residents to use.
Photo 3: Relishes and pickles made from excess produce from the garden.
Photo 4: Sustainability Group's Celia Wiren with bins at The Sterling, Kaiapoi's recycling station.