Simple steps to keep the season joyful — and kind to nature.
While the festive season can be hard on Papatūānuku — with increased waste, transport and energy use — there are also many ways to keep the spirit of the festive season alive, while caring for nature.
Making simple choices at home each year can start new and meaningful traditions for you and your whanau, traditions that can leave a lasting legacy of positive impact on our environment for future generations.
Gifts that keep on giving.
Gift experiences: Treat loved ones to an adventure, a workshop, an event, or a day out — because memories last longer than things.
Shop sustainable: Support small local businesses, markets and makers, or seek out those few, truly sustainable and low-waste products.
Tip: Plan your gifts on paper before you go — and avoid shopping centres designed to tempt you into buying things you never needed.
Homemade gifts: Homemade treats, homegrown seedlings, or upcycled crafts make meaningful, planet-friendly presents.
Gift-a-Tree: Kaipātiki Project’s own zero-waste gift since 2019. Every tree captures carbon, supports local ecosystems, and offers the option of a planting day — giving gifters and receivers a shared experience that keeps on growing. Gift-a-Tree Here.
Kicking waste to the kerb.
Creative wrapping: Reuse paper, fabric, or cardboard boxes for wrapping. Add a ribbon, a touch of paint, or a sprig of greenery to bring that festive feel to even your most questionable creative wrapping improvisations.
Rethink trees: Pot a native, reuse an artificial one, or make your own from a foraged branch — avoid single-use cut pines and new plastic trees.
Replenish decorations: Keep using what you have, find treasures at op shops, or buy quality decorations made from natural materials only. Avoid glitter — it’s just microplastic in disguise.
Challenge: Try making one beautiful decoration each year from materials like wood, clay, or dried flowers — this small ritual could start a movement.
Reuse and recycle mindfully.
Sort packaging, compost food scraps and recycle where possible — but remember, the greenest item is the one never thrown away.
Minding where you go, and how.
Summer in Tāmaki Makaurau is magnificent — get outdoors and enjoy our beaches, bush walks, and reserves with your whānau.
Bonus points: Whenever you use public transport or bikes — you’ll skip the holiday traffic and lower your footprint while you’re at it.
Reviving Boxing Day.
Boxing Day was once about boxing up leftovers and unwanted gifts and paying these forward to those with less. Let’s not forget this important tradition that underpins the true, generous spirit of the festive season.
Let’s also remember Papatūānuku, who will feel the strain of the festive season on her. Give back by volunteering in the bush, or donating to organisations working to protect and restore nature.