Food waste
Kiwis are throwing away $2.9 billion worth of kai every year. This waste has a profound environmental impact and is the third-largest contributor to global carbon emissions.
To help shift the dial on this issue, Love Food Hate Waste was established in 2007 by the global climate action charity WRAP.
Lead by WasteMINZ, New Zealand joined the network in 2016, and through partnerships with 52 councils and community groups around the country, they’ve been working hard to help Kiwis reduce their household food waste through education, awareness and behaviour change interventions.
From planning meals and storing food correctly to using up leftovers and freezing smarter, Love Food Hate Waste NZ shows how everyday changes can have a big impact.
Why it matters
Food waste is a significant environmental, economic and social issue in Aotearoa. Each year, New Zealand households throw away an estimated 130,000 tonnes of food — enough to feed the entire population of Dunedin or Northland for three years.
When food ends up in landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In fact, food waste accounts for around 8–10% of global emissions.
Reducing food waste is one of the most impactful actions households can take to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Current Programme
Love Food Hate Waste NZ received funding from the Ministry for the Environment, amounting to almost $2.9 million over three years, beginning from July 2023. Coupled with support from 52 councils across NZ, this funding has enabled a national scale programme to help New Zealanders understand and take action to reduce their food waste.
The programme will drive behaviour change through:
- Educational campaigns and seasonal initiatives to help households reduce waste year-round
- Free tools and resources including meal planners, recipe books, fridge and freezer guides, and printable shopping lists
- Workshops, events and community partnerships support food waste reduction locally through licensing with Love Food Hate Waste NZ
- Social media content and collaboration opportunities for councils, schools and organisations
Inbuilt evaluations of the project are currently in place, allowing WasteMINZ and Love Food Hate Waste to work out what is most effective in helping people reduce their food waste.
WasteMINZ exists to make a positive environmental impact on Aotearoa New Zealand
