Sophie chats with Caroline Gottfert and Mieke Verschoor from Green Loop about turning commercial food waste into nutrient-rich compost, regenerating soil, local research, and innovation shaping Aotearoa’s circular food future.

Join Sophie on Talking Taiao as she chats with Cat Neale, “The Medicine Woman” about medicinal plants across our landscape, plant-based living, rongoā, and reconnecting with te whenua. A lively, inspiring kōrero with plenty of earthy wisdom.

Meet Nathan Hills from Rapid Reforestation. They are on a mission to increase native biodiversity in Taranaki, one tree at a time! In this episode, you'll learn how this great project started, how they plan and run an event, but also how you can be involved. If you are keen to volunteer or if you have a section that could be reforested.

Sophie Walker sits down with Taranaki builder Jeff Fairweather to unpack the magic of rammed earth, the challenges of building green, and why natural materials matter more than ever. A down-to-earth kōrero rooted in community, kaitiakitanga, and a vision for healthier homes.

Join Sophie Walker and garden kaitiaki, Dominic Bell, as they chat about the vibrant life of the Marfell Community Garden this spring. Hear about new initiatives, kai growing strong, sustainable taiao practices, and what’s planned for raumati. A wholesome blend of laughter, learning, and māra-inspired wisdom.

Hannah is a physiotherapist in Taranaki, and she has recently graduated with a Master of Sustainable Development Goals from Massey University. Tune in with Elric as they discuss what the course was, what she has been taught, what she loved and what she plans to do now in this space.

In this episode, Sophie Walker and Suzy Randall from Sustainable Taranaki share how the Business Support Programme is helping local businesses and events reduce waste, embrace circular thinking, and create lasting positive change. With hands-on guidance, practical tools, and a supportive community, Sustainable Taranaki is making it easier than ever to take real steps toward a greener future.

Why should we bring passenger trains to Taranaki? How can you support it? Elric is discussing with Louise James and Sharon Bevins from the Future is Rail Taranaki to find out why bringing back passenger trains would be great for all of us. Make sure you sign their online petition! Contact Louise James for more info: ljames@orcon.net.nz

Join Sophie as she chats with Rachel Eckersley from Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR). Discover how Taranaki schools and their whānau are diving into the moana, learning to snorkel, exploring protected marine environments, and embracing kaitiakitanga. From school pools to Goat Island, Rachel shares inspiring stories of tamariki connecting with their local marine world. Contact Rachel for more information rachel@mountainstosea.org.nz

From concerts to sporting events, Taranaki’s going zero waste! Sophie chats with Suzy Randall, our Zero Waste Events Manager, about what it really takes to keep events landfill-free, the latest innovations in waste reduction, and how you can make your next gathering greener.

In this episode Sophie and Cath chat with Franziska of Bumblebee Bakery & Crop Swap Aotearoa, and Amanda-Jane of Everkind Organic skincare. We learn about their journeys, insights, and the inspiration behind Evolving Organically, a celebration of sustainability, community, and conscious enterprise as part of Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2025.

Joe has grown up in Taranaki, lived in Guatemala and England, and has been the Operations Lead of Sustainable Taranaki for the past four years. Learn more about how it is to manage a local non-profit with a team of 30 people running about 12 different programmes at the moment!

How can an ordinary backyard become a place of learning? In this episode of Talking Taiao Sophie sits down with Cath Stabb, Sustainable Trails Coordinator, to explore the lessons our māra (gardens) can teach us, from growing kai and nurturing tamariki to building climate resilience. We’ll also look ahead to the Taranaki Sustainable Trails 31 October - 16 November 2025, with kid-friendly activities, community and school gardens, and free seeds to inspire whānau to learn, grow, and play in the taiao. www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz

What if you could start your own communal garden around Taranaki? Shari shares her experience of creating Growmeez, a local communal garden producing a LOT, and not only veggies!

Our mission is to inspire and support people, businesses, and communities to value our local taiao (environment) and act to prioritize sustainability.

What’s happening beneath the surface of our moana? In this episode of Talking Taiao on Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, Sophie sits down with Cam Hunt, Senior Ranger for DOC Taranaki, to talk about the Tapuae and Parininihi Marine Reserves, the state of our marine life, and the mahi DOC is leading to restore the coastal environment around New Plymouth. Discover how you and your whānau can play a part in protecting our blue backyard.

The Green Loop is now launched! This new local social enterprise is collecting food waste from businesses and converting it into soil for our farms in Taranaki. Join Mieke and Sophie explaining how this project started and how it works. Visit www.GreenLoop.org.nz for more info!

Join Sophie Walker and Elric Aublant on Talking Taiao as they chat about fun ways to volunteer. From zero waste events and community gardens to beach cleanups and the Sustainable Backyards Trails. There’s plenty coming up to get involved, connect with others, and help care for our taiao!

Join host Sophie as she chats with Catherine Stabb, Sustainable Trails Manager, about the inspiring properties and hosts featured in this year’s Hit the Trail series. From solar-powered homes to lush bio-intensive veggie gardens and abundant orchards, the Sustainable Trails open the gates to some of the most innovative and eco-friendly backyards in Taranaki. Discover clever tips you can try at home, meet the passionate people behind the projects.

From gardens that give back to builds that breathe, and farms that put the whenua first, the 2025 Sustainable Trails programme is back and better than ever! Join Talking Taiao host Sophie Walker as she chats with Catherine Stabb, Sustainable Trails Manager, about this year’s inspiring lineup: the Sustainable Backyards Trail, Sustainable Builds, and Sustainable Farms. Discover tips for visiting, how to get involved, and why working with nature makes all the difference.