The Government has announced that single-use plastic shopping bags will be phased out by the end of July 2019. The environmental impact of single use bags in our district can be easily seen when driving our local roads, a total of 17 single use plastic bags were found along the roadside in a recent trip from Ruatoria to Tikitiki.

Large companies such as Z Energy, Countdown and Foodstuffs are committing to phase out single-use plastic bags in their businesses by the end of the year.

The Ruatoria and Waiapu communities are working to get rid of single use plastic bags.

Local groups with assistance from Rural Education Providers, Tairawhiti Reap have produced reusable bags to be used by those who forget to take a reusable bag with them when shopping and returned once they have finished using it.

The local foursquare, Hikurangi food market is supporting the movement and will be phasing out single use plastic bags by January 2019. A reusable “Meke Peke” box has been placed in the shop for those who forget or haven’t got a reusable bag yet.

Radio Ngati Porou is supporting the movement and has donated more reusable bags to the cause