Upcycling Fishing Gear

Background/ how did the project start:

The project began with Jude’s enthusiasm to promote positive fishing actions. We brainstormed a number of ideas and this one seemed the best to start with as it can engage the whole community not just the fishing community. We started with a workshop alongside the Beach Ambassadors Programme to create prototype pods to put fishing waste. We came up with a simple but effective design made from pvc piping that we gathered from the comunity. From there we designed a logo and plotted the best locations to put these bins.

Proposed Bin locations 

• Kennedy point wharf 

• Matiatia wharf 

• The esplanade 

• Fishermans rock

• Orapiu wharf

What is the purpose/meaning behind the project

The purpose of this project is to tackle an issue that has been noticed by the community on waiheke island. hooks , line, sinkers and other fishing gear poses a risk to the marine environment in the Hauraki gulf as well as a risk to the general public. With the implementation of these bins specifically for the use of fishing tackle we hope to reduce the amount of waste left in our environment as well as raise awareness to this issue. 

How often will the waste be collected and where will it be taken? 

Initially the waste will be collected weekly to understand what regularly is needed for collection. The waste will be stored in a sealed container at a private location. Once the first 3 month pilot has been done we will start contacting local fishing clubs/artists/schools to create community awareness around this waste stream and begin repurposing workshops using these materials. 

Jude Chambers a student of Waiheke High School, avid fisherman who advocates for sustainable fishing practices and member of the sustainability students group.

Acacia is a student of Waiheke High school, talented artist and lover of the ocean.

Carys is our superwoman