Member Spotlight: Ali Green

Written by WasteMINZ | 13 October 2025

In this member spotlight, we talk to Ali Green, Community Engagement & Education
Officer at WasteNet. She has been working in the industry for a year but has been passionate about it for 5+ years.

Ali (left) pictured here with John Falconer of Pakeke and Karina who runs Plasback recycling on farm.

This is the first event that she ran in Gore with two speakers. Gore doesn’t recycle so she was determined to try and inspire people to take their recyclable items to the local recycling not for profit the Pakeke Lions instead of putting it all in their red bins.

All proceeds go directly back into the community as well. Eighteen events have now been hosted all across Southland.

Tell us about your organisation

WasteNet Southland is a joint waste management initiative formed by the Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council, and Southland District Council to provide coordinated solid waste collection and recycling services for the Southland region of New Zealand. Its mission is to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of waste services while promoting waste minimization and sustainability throughout the region.

Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?

I love being part of a likeminded community! My life goal is to protect our future generations so I am very passionate about supporting NZers to make change by making sustainable practices more palatable for the consumer (it can be very overwhelming!). I love that WasteMINZ provides best practice guidance, leadership and resources for a range of topics. I also love to know when submissions or consultations with government agencies are taking place. All of the above pretty much!

What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?

Kerbside collections & food waste. Anything to do with FMCG and consumer waste in homes/households & the education around that. I believe that we as consumers hold a lot of power and have the ability to influence change with the right education and support. Previously, I worked in real estate and collaborated with Paul, the CEO of SaveBoard. Working together for two years to create the first recyclable real restate sign as well - yay!

What are you reading or listening to right now?

Reading Ariana Huffington – Thrive & listening to Mel Robbins – she is incredible.

Describe your perfect day outside of work

Spending my time outside connecting with people, e.g. at a waste free event or at a festival such as RIPE. It sounds cliché but I love spending time with my partner or my family & friends especially my amazing Nana. Love being at the beach & in the garden as well and I would finish the day eating seafood and having a glass of wine!

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