University of Otago, Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou, New Zealand

Te Oraka – The Good Space

Te Oraka, The Good Space was designed by our student team for students and staff on campus. This sustainability hub showcases the circular economy – created from recycled items, it pours all its income into activities it hosts.

Te Oraka focuses on reducing waste because our students have relied heavily on skips, highlighting a need for alternative options as well as a focus on tools and skills throughout the year. Te Oraka was devised to capture a holistic approach to waste. Creating a space that can be transformative for waste minimisation through being used as a store, workshop, refilling station, repair café and an education space.

We believe our multi-faceted approach, tailored to our needs, is leading by example in New Zealand’s tertiary sector, and possibly Australia’s.

What the Judges Thought

The judges agreed that this was a remarkable nomination which showcased a superb student led initiative which has the underpinning fundamentals of circular economy and is leading  to systemic change. Notably it has clear outcomes, the ability to be replicated and is yielding impressive results.

What it Means to Win

"Because any university worldwide can enter, winning is huge recognition of Otago staff’s mahi and our student community acting on its sustainability values by helping to run Te Oraka and using the sustainable solutions it provides."

Professor Helen Nicholson, Acting Vice-Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. Creating spaces is important for authentic student and staff engagement
2. Behaviour change can be embedded when skills, values, and solutions remain accessible and affordable
3. Simplifying sustainable solutions for the individual is essential to see action.