Para Kore

What We Do

Programmes​

Para Kore offers a range of te ao Māori sustainability programmes throughout the motu that may be available in person or online, depending on where we have kaimahi and where we are funded to deliver them.

We work with marae, whānau, hapū, iwi, kura, kōhanga/puna reo, early childhood centres, whare karakia/churches, wāhi mahi, community organisations, tertiary institutions, companies, events, community gardens, kaumātua rōpū and more.​

Foundations for a zero waste, zero carbon Aotearoa

Wānanga Tūāpapa

These wānanga are our building blocks for understanding how to live in harmony with Papatūānuku. We explore kaupapa Māori values, systems thinking, and sustainable living practices that empower whānau and hapū to transition toward a zero carbon, zero waste world. Perfect for those starting out or wanting to strengthen their foundation in climate and waste kaupapa.

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Growing zero waste kura, grounded in tikanga

Oranga Kura

Oranga Kura supports schools to become zero waste, sustainable learning environments grounded in tikanga Māori. Through kai, compost, and conscious consumption, we help kura reduce waste and restore the mana of te taiao. Tamariki, kaiako, and whānau are empowered to lead change, embedding mātauranga Māori and environmental action into the heart of school life.

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Composting

Te Māhi Wairakau

Composting is more than a way to manage food scraps, it’s a commitment to creating healthy, living soil that feeds both people and the whenua. By enhancing the mauri of Hineahuone, we enable whānau and hapū to grow abundant kai and build food security. This programme supports a range of composting solutions, from worm farms to large-scale systems, all grounded in mātauranga Māori and manaaki for our taiao.

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Reusable Cloth Nappies

Kope Tautaiao

Learn about kope tautaiao (reusable nappies) and the benefits of using them for our mokopuna and our taiao. Discover how simple it can be to integrate cloth nappies into daily routines. Even just one a day makes a difference. Reduce waste, save money, and support a healthier future for our pēpi and Papatūānuku, one change at a time.

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Reindigenising Our Food Systems

He Mana tō te Kai

He Mana tō te Kai is a journey to reconnect with kai, whenua, and whakapapa. This programme supports the restoration of traditional food practices, from growing and gathering, to preparing, storing, and sharing. Guided by values like manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and māramatanga, we explore how kai can nourish not only our bodies, but our whenua, relationships, and futures. Together, we reclaim kai as taonga, not waste.

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Reindigenising Ikura

Mai i Kurawaka

The whakapapa of the word ikura reminds us that the first woman was formed by ngā atua at Kurawaka. This programme brings to light the mātauranga Māori of menstruation, restoring its mana and challenging colonial shame. We explore traditional and modern period practices, including reusable options, while honouring the tapu and life-giving role of ikura in our whakapapa.

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