In this member spotlight, we talk to Craig Donaghy
WasteNet Southland plays a vital role in delivering waste minimisation, resource recovery and waste management services across the region. Working on behalf of Southland's councils, WasteNet is committed to creating efficient, sustainable and community-focused solutions that deliver long-term value for residents and ratepayers.
Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?
For the last 9 years I have been living in Vanuatu, and working as an Environmental consultant across many of our Pacific Island neighbours. During this time out of NZ, I have continued to follow WasteMINZ on various platforms to stay up to date with Industry trends and innovations. Now I am back in NZ, it was always my intention to join WasteMINZ as the pre-eminent industry group for keeping up with news and opportunities to learn and collaborate with my peers.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?
I am totally new to the Southland, and I am looking forward to meeting with all the relevant stakeholders, facilitating discussions and developing local collaborative solutions for the region.
With WasteNet being an established entity across the 3 Southland councils, we are well placed to introduce waste minimisation initiatives that support our local business communities and residents.
I am particularly interested in finding or developing innovative solutions to some of the growing waste issues we are all facing including, Plastics, E Waste and Textiles.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I am really loving the mix of NZ music we hear all day in our office space located within the local Invercargill Mall (Apparently it can get a bit tedious once the Christmas songs start). It reminds me of how many talented musicians NZ has had over the decades.
With Spilt Enz having recently completed their NZ concerts, they are featuring high on the play list options.
Describe your perfect day outside of work
The perfect day for me always involves nature, normally the ocean or a river. Living away from NZ makes you remember just how fortunate we are to have access to so many beautiful locations to enjoy. The day would normally start with visiting a local market to gather supplies for a Family roast, perusing the market tables for treasures, buying native plants to add to the garden, and more than likely Fish and Chips for lunch at a park or similar with a view of the water somewhere.
