Sustainability Highlight: Zero Waste

TAU's Zero Waste initiatives and their growing impact across our operations

Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events (ACVE), part of the Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) whānau, is a proud custodian of New Zealand’s largest collection of thirteen celebrated venues.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Framework outlines the main environmental pillars of TAU’S Climate Change and Environment Strategic Plan, addressing the action plans and new initiatives.

Last month, we explored Net Zero Emissions case studies that highlighted sustainability in action across ACVE venues.

This month, we turn the spotlight to TAU’s Zero Waste initiatives and their growing impact across our operations.

Zero Waste

Each year, Auckland sends over 1.6 million tonnes of waste to landfill - equating to more than one tonne per person. TAU contributes to this through our events and operations. By taking action towards zero waste, we reduce our environmental impact, cut consumption-related emissions, and lower disposal costs.

TAU has set a goal to achieve zero waste by 2040 by embedding a circular economy approach across all its activities.


How is this goal being realised in practice?

  • Achieving a minimum 50% landfill diversion rate at each ACVE venue (excluding Auckland Zoo)
  • Achieving a minimum 80% landfill diversion rate at Auckland Zoo
  • Empowering kaimahi through zero waste education, enabling informed decisions that support our goal
  • Embedding circular economy principles - viewing waste as a resource and eliminating unsustainable practices across operations

Case Study: ALAC recycled chairs 

Auckland Live and ACVE (ALAC), part of TAU, acknowledge that venue refurbishments often generate significant waste.

However, the restoration of 350 chairs has demonstrated that these items do not need to go to landfill.

In 2023/24, ACVE partnered with two Australasian suppliers to refurbish and recycle chairs from the Aotea Centre, Civic Theatre, and Auckland Town Hall - extending their lifespan by another 20 years.

This approach preserves resources, reduces waste, and delivers cost savings. The initiative also serves as a practical example to other venue managers across Australasia of the benefits and viability of restoration.

Case Study: Auckland Zoo’s journey to remove single use cups (SUCs)

Auckland Zoo is on track to eliminate all SUCs by the end of 2025.

SUCs were removed from the Old Elephant House Restaurant in late 2024 and from the Zoo’s dine-in café, Te Puna, in April 2025. The final step - phasing out SUCs from the Zoo’s outdoor takeaway outlets - is set to be completed by December 2025.

By switching to sustainable alternatives for hot drinks, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Council, and TAU will prevent approximately 185,000 SUCs - or 4,080kg of waste - from ending up in landfill each year.

 

“We’re really delighted to be re-joining other great communities and organisations across Aotearoa who are actively championing the move to a more sustainable café culture.”

- Claudine Gibson, Auckland Zoo’s Environmental Initiatives Advisor

“By removing single use cups from corporate buildings, we are setting an example for other organisations and Auckland residents to follow.”

- Phil Wilson, Auckland Council Chief Executive