Not-for-profit organisations who are leading the way on climate action gathered recently to share their experiences at the Earth Positive (Earth+) Resilience and Emissions Reduction Programme end of year celebration.
This ground-breaking programme has been developed by the Terra Nova Foundation in partnership with the Rātā Foundation, with support from international award-winning carbon management company Cogo and native tree investment enterprise, My Native Forest.
The event saw representatives from across the sector being recognised for championing change within their organisations, focused on the reduction of environmental impact and carbon emissions, and strengthening their ability to meet community needs through times of disruption. Also present on the evening to join the celebrations were local and regional council leaders, programme partners and innovative support providers from across industries.
“The Earth+ programme fosters a community of collaboration and support for organisations embarking on their climate action journey. It was inspiring to hear how different organisations are taking the programme content and applying it to their mahi in ways that are practical, achievable and fit-for-purpose.” – Leighton Evans, Rātā Foundation Chief Executive.
The event was opened by Terra Nova CEO Rose Challies, Christchurch City Councillor Sara Templeton, and Leighton Evans, Chief Executive of Partner organisation, Rātā Foundation, closely followed by the stars of the show, the Not-for-Profit climate action champions.
Prizes were awarded to organisations in the following impact categories:
Emissions Reducer: The organisation who had most greatly reduced their emissions using Cogo Carbon Manager
Awarded to Alison Marshall, representing Volunteering Canterbury
Change Maker: The participant who had created a major change in the way their organisation or team behaves
Awarded to Justine Balcar, representing Belfast Community Network
Action Taker: The participants who had committed to taking the greatest Earth+ action since attending the workshop
Awarded to Phillipa Hunt, representing Satisfy Food Rescue
Awarded to Bridget Allen, representing The Green Lab
Community Engager: The most active member in the Earth+ online community of practice
Awarded to Cheryl Doig, representing Think Beyond
Impact Maker: The participant who had significantly shifted the attitude or behaviour of a person/people around them
Awarded to Dylan Hansen, representing Outward Bound
Prizes for the award winners were generously gifted by organisations aligned with the kaupapa of the Earth+ Programme, including The Seventh Generation, Piko Wholefoods, Christchurch Adventure Park, Ecostore, and Terra Nova Press.
The individuals and organisations recognised at the event are part of a wide range of Not-for-Profit organisations who have signed on for the programme, which has gained great momentum since its launch at the beginning of 2024.
The Earth+ Resilience and Emissions Reduction Programme builds climate resilience and change readiness in the not-for-profit sector, equipping participants with the tools, knowledge and hands-on support to inspire action specific to the skills and strengths of the people within each organisation and communities. The programme includes a 1.5 day workshop, an online community of practice, expert one-to-one support and a plethora of digital resources and expert information sessions for its participants.
Rose Challies shared, ‘This programme has shown the extraordinary leadership and changemaking potential in the Not-for-Profit sector. Not only have these organisations taken critical steps to strengthen their resilience, they have shown that climate action and emission reduction can be a positive community driver. It is an exciting programme where the impact just keeps coming, particularly where we see participants building relationships with aligned businesses and each other to find collective solutions to their challenges. We can’t wait to see what magic arises in 2025!’
Throughout the year, 80 participants have been welcomed into the programme, representing organisations across the Canterbury, Tasman/Nelson, and Marlborough regions. Momentum continues in 2025, with sign-ups already underway for the eight scheduled workshops in Ōtautahi Christchurch and wider Waitaha Canterbury.
If you are interested in getting more information or being part of the programme, go to the Terra Nova website https://terranova.foundation.
– Terra Nova Foundation, 19th November 2024