In this member spotlight, we talk to Marissa Nikora, Project Manager | Sustainability Lead at Priority One, the Western Bay of Plenty region's economic development organisation.
"We are keen to divert as much waste from landfill where possible. Our city continues to grow, with over $1.5 billion worth of investment happening in our CBD alone. We need to maximise any resource recovery opportunities we know of and, where possible, establish new opportunities to meet demand/need."
Tell us about your organisation
Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty region's economic development organisation, established in 2001 by the Tauranga and Western Bay Of Plenty business community in partnership with the local authorities.
Our job is to grow the economy of the region. We work with local authorities to ensure local government and business needs and aspirations are aligned. We actively encourage Bay of Plenty businesses to grow by the removal of roadblocks, ensuring the skills and experience required by industry are available locally, and active targeting of offshore businesses into the Western Bay of Plenty market.
Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?
Our environmental sustainability strategy has a goal to deliver large-scale business-led projects that will drive sustainability across our region.
We have four core themes projects can be grouped to – Waste, Energy, Transport and Land. We currently have a Circular Construction project that sits within waste and has an aim to form an industry-led group that creates a sustainable system that reduces waste, fosters resource efficiency, and minimises the environmental impact of construction activities across the region.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?
Directly related to our Circular Construction project, we are keen to divert as much waste from landfill where possible. Our city continues to grow, with over $1.5 billion worth of investment happening in our CBD alone. We need to maximise any resource recovery opportunities we know of and, where possible, establish new opportunities to meet demand/need. Currently most of our waste is transported out of Tauranga - we have a lot of scope to be better.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
Personally - The Women who run with Wolves. Work-related: We have worked closely with EECA on the Bay of Plenty Regional Energy Transition Accelerator programme for industrial process heat users. The research findings are interested and highlight energy related challenges and opportunity for our region.
Describe your perfect day outside of work.
Camping in nature with my family, swimming in the ocean and ending the day watching the stars.