NEWS

Here, we share information on recent project developments, participation in conferences and workshops, collaborations with academic and industrial partners, and other noteworthy milestones. The news entries are intended to highlight the dynamic progress of our research and its contribution to advancing sustainable technologies and circular economy practices.

WaRe3 Named Finalist for WasteMINZ + ALGA Award

WaRe3 has been named a finalist for the WasteMINZ + ALGA Awards for Excellence 2026 in the Excellence in Research and Advocacy category.

Our Resource Recovery Laboratory received a Green Level Certification from My Green Lab

Our Resource Recovery Lab achieved a score of 97%, qualifying for Green Level Certification. This reflects our team’s commitment to measurable, science-based improvements in our daily practices.

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Nuka liquid smoke plant officially opened

Nuka Charitable Trust has officially opened its Ruatoria-based operation on 20 March. The development of this pyrolysis plant was through a research collaboration between WaRe3 and Nuka.

Saeid Baroutian: closing the loop

A passion for sustainability is driving Professor Saeid Baroutian to develop solutions to some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Lithium-ion battery fires simulated in world-first trial

Auckland Council and the University have collaborated on a world-first trial involving a rubbish truck and lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium battery fires being lit to tackle rubbish truck blazes

Auckland Council is deliberately setting controlled fires inside rubbish trucks to try and better understand and mitigate the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries in household waste.

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Uber Eats shares new framework to support Kiwi restaurants in the shift to more sustainable packaging choices

How to solve healthcare's toxic secret

The anaesthetic gases released from one hospital in one year add as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as 500 return flights between Auckland and London

How the University of Auckland is driving cleantech innovation

Universities are critical to advancing low-carbon innovations through research and bringing innovative solutions to life through fostering cleantech start-ups. Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, is a key contributor to New Zealand’s cleantech ecosystem.

Weed to gold: How scientists are helping solve the medicinal cannabis industry’s waste problem

East Coast Māori turn tree once considered weed into gourmet fare

Māori living on the East Coast have found a way to turn thousands of hectares of unproductive land into gourmet harvests - all using a plant once considered a weed.

Kānuka products a potential boon for Māori landowners

University researchers are using their expertise to turn kānuka into gourmet products and help benefit Māori landowners in Tairāwhiti.

Kānuka from the whenua to food

Smoky flavours of the native Kānuka tantalise the taste buds in new business venture.

'Tastes like hāngi in a bottle': Auckland academics start kānuka business venture