Grants of up to $50,000 are available from Auckland Council for innovative ideas on how to reduce waste. The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF) brings ideas to life and supports our target of zero waste to landfill by 2040.

WMIF funds projects from businesses, local iwi, and education and community groups that will divert waste from landfill. There is $600,000 available this year, through funding from the waste levy. Waste minimisation start-ups and initiatives are encouraged to think about how Auckland Council funding could enhance or expand their work. Applicants do not need to be based in the Auckland region, as long as their project makes a significant impact to the area.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, says,

“Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, Auckland’s Climate Plan, sets out a future with a circular economy, and this fund encourages us to achieve this goal.

"Reducing our carbon footprint means we need to try new things and turn great ideas into everyday solutions for zero waste. Whether it’s a little funding to strengthen an already successful project, or a large boost to take a big idea to the next phase, we are excited to partner with you to reduce waste.”

More than 400 projects have been funded by WMIF since 2013, allocating more than $4.3 million to assist our wonderful zero-waste champions. 

If you’ve borrowed an Again Again cup, joined a Para Kore workshop at Ōrākei Marae, or learned about composting or worm bins from your kid’s school, then you’ve likely experienced the results of the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund.

Aucklanders are invested in their environment

“At a time when the world is being disrupted at an unprecedented pace, New Zealanders are increasingly invested in finding practical solutions to the climate crisis. There is overwhelming support for communities and businesses to innovate towards a more circular economy.

"These grants show what’s possible and serve as incubators for sustainable practices that can be applied widely. 

"Funding can range from $250 all the way to $50,000, so please bring us your ideas whether big or small,” encourages Councillor Hills.   

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for WMIF funding, further information is available online, including lists of previous award recipients.

Applications are open from 1–30 September 2020. Visit the WMIF application page, email Auckland Waste Fund, or call 09 301 0101 to find out more.

Funding projects that make a difference

Last September, 33 grants with a total value of $476,040 were awarded. Six of the projects aim to address Auckland’s construction and demolition waste challenge. Currently, around half the waste going to landfill across the Auckland region every year comes from the construction sector.

Four grants went to projects that aim to reduce the amount of food scraps and organic waste going to landfill from commercial sources across the region.

Other funded projects grow Auckland’s future climate warriors by supporting waste minimisation initiatives in schools and early childhood education centres. The April 2020 round of funding was delayed because of COVID-19 and will be included in this September round.  

About Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF):

• Funding for WMIF comes from the national waste levy, which is administered by the Ministry for the Environment.
• The fund has $500,000 to distribute annually, with one funding round per year for grants up to $50,000 and one round of grants up to $5,000.
• There are three funding categories: $250 - $5000; $5001 - $25,000; and grants over $25,000.
• More than 400 projects have been funded by WMIF since 2013, allocating more than $4.3 million to assist our wonderful zero-waste champions.
• WMIF was adopted in 2013 and was designed to support projects and innovative solutions that promote or achieve waste management and minimisation, reduce waste to landfill in accordance with the objectives of the Auckland Council Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, and foster new ideas and encourage community participation in reducing waste to landfill.
• The fund is open to community groups, businesses, iwi, Māori organisations, early childhood centres, schools, tertiary organisations, and other community-based organisations operating in the Auckland region.