The Junction is a key part of NPDC’s goal of becoming a Zero Waste region. It’s designed to be a community destination as we create an attitude change around waste minimisation and reuse by:
- Encouraging reduction of waste through reuse and recycling.
- Donation of unwanted goods for resale.
- Education.
Stage one of The Junction will open in summer 2020. It will include a drop-off area for recyclables and reusables, a shop, an education space and a large artwork made of reused materials. The Junction is not yet open, but will be situated on Colson Road between the transfer station and the material recovery facility.
Stage two includes a workshop, a waste-to-art area and an area for businesses to set up activities, and it will be built subject to funding and how much The Junction is used by the public.
The end goal is to have The Junction self-sustaining and providing for other non-profits in the future. There will be support from NPDC at the beginning through creating partnerships, capacity building and financial support.
We are working with two community groups to provide the centre:
- Waitara Initiatives Supporting Employment Trust (WISE).
- Sustainable Taranaki.
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Key Dates and Timeline
24 August 2016: Registration of interest released. COMPLETED.
31 August 2016: Public Meeting. COMPLETED.
13 October 2016: Registrations of interest closed. COMPLETED.
October: Shortlisted groups advised. COMPLETED.
December 2016: MOU between community groups and NPDC signed. COMPLETED.
January to December 2018: Community group business plan and contract development. COMPLETED.
February 2019: Community organisation(s) appointed. UNDER WAY.
March-April 2019: Education tours at recycling Material Recycling Facility (until The Junction opens). UNDER WAY.
October 2017 to December 2019: Detailed design and construction of first phase. UNDER WAY.
February 2019: New name announced. COMPLETED.
Summer 2020: The Junction officially opens.