Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is looking for locals with bright ideas to apply for the 2026 Waste Minimisation Community Fund (WMCF), which opens today.

With up to $60,000 available, the fund supports innovative community and business projects that reduce items to landfill, encourage reuse and repair, and keep valuable materials in circulation.

Individuals, community groups, schools, iwi/Māori organisations and businesses across the district are encouraged to apply.

“We know our community is full of creative thinkers who care deeply about protecting the place we live,” said Waste Minimisation & Sustainability Advisor, Emma Brockie

“The Waste Minimisation Community Fund helps people turn their practical ideas into real projects that divert materials from landfill and change the way we think about waste, and build a more circular, resourceful and resilient community.”

Last year’s funding round supported 13 local projects, with initiatives ranging from low-waste parenting workshops and school composting systems to sustainable party packs for children’s birthdays and repair and reuse programmes for outdoor gear.

For example, the Wakatipu Toy Library created reusable party packs filled with themed decorations, tableware and toys to make children’s birthdays more affordable and low-impact.

Sustainable Cycles: Making Reusable Period Products Accessible, empowered individuals with a long-term, zero-waste solution that promotes dignity and environmental responsibility.

Adaptive Snowsports Whakatipu Charitable Trust repurposed ski clothing left behind by visitors into unique skirts through its creative Snoskirtz project, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.

“What we’d really love to see more of this year are projects that push boundaries - initiatives that deliver unique, creative solutions and reimagine waste as a valuable resource,” said Ms Brockie.

The Waste Minimisation Community Fund is an annual contestable fund that includes $50,000 for community action and behaviour change projects and $10,000 for commercial initiatives, sponsored by WMNZ.

Applications for the 2026 Waste Minimisation Community Fund open today, 1 April, and close on 30 April 2026.

To learn more or apply, visit: 
www.qldc.govt.nz/wmcf

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