Ngaio has a rich history as an active community with a wide ranging interest in all matters related to sustainability, the natural environment, and mitigating climate change. Community leaders have for several years had a keen interest in harnessing all of this energy in a way that supports all of the projects, gets the most out of the limited volunteer time available, and develops a true sense of community involving everyone in Ngaio and Crofton Downs.
Informally, a number of community initiatives were starting up, which come under the broadest umbrella of sustainability – these include the Ngaio Repair Cafe, the Vegetable Co-op, Ngaios monthly recycling station, and so much mahi to restore and improve our natural environment.
Out of this common interest, we developed our ambitious dream to become the first carbon-neutral suburb in New Zealand. We’re the perfect community to make this happen – compact, lots of public transport, a range of great shops and businesses, local activities and a connected active community.
Wellington City Council came on board with our dream, when our application for a modest amount of funding from the Council’s Sustainability Fund was approved in late 2024. This grant enabled the community to fund for a few hours each week, a Project Manager whose job would be to drive the project, put in the time required to bring people together, and manage a small governance group of local residents. We also have some funds for a social media manager whose role is to get our message out, keep everyone enthusiastic about the project and report progress.