Mahinga Kai Composting
Kitchen green waste rotting in landfills produces some of the highest rates of greenhouse gasses out of any rubbish. However, when those same scraps are properly composted carbon is put back into the soil, and these harmful gasses are no longer released into the atmosphere. What they then produce is nutrient rich compost, perfect for growing healthy vegetables.
OPENING SOON - our Mahinga Kai Compost Plant - a place where food waste from local businesses and residential homes is collected and transformed into high-quality compost for our community. The team working on site are part of our programme supporting men into stable, meaningful employment that gives back to the community.
Our composting program
Mahinga Kai has a composting program available for the Upper Hutt community. For a small monthly fee we can collect your kitchen waste from your home, office or small business. We will then turn your scraps into nutrient rich compost that gets given or sold to other community projects.
How it works
When you sign up, you will be given a 20 ltr bucket to put your waste into.
We offer Weekly Collections to have your food scraps composted. Available for households on the Valley floor from Birchville to Silverstream.
How much does it cost?
Business Collections
Ideal for office lunch rooms.
Starting at $30 +gst/month, for a 20 litres collected weekly.
Food Producer Collections
We collect food-waste from restaurants, cafes, retirement homes etc. Contact us for a quote.
What can I put in my bucket?
All Mahinga Kai buckets have a visual reminder on the side of them of what we can accept for composting.
COMING SOON - Fresh Start Compost!
We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of Fresh Start Compost - your local source for premium, nutrient rich compost made right here in our community.
Soon you’ll be able to purchase bulk or bagged compost directly from our new Park Street premises.
Our new high-tech composting machine named Rosie transforms food scraps collected from local partners - including retirement villages, cafés, and food producers into rich, nutrient-dense compost that your plants will love.
Why Choose Fresh Start Compost?
Locally made: Our compost is produced right here from local food scraps.
Eco-friendly: Every bag helps reduce landfill waste and greenhouse emissions.
High quality: Perfect for gardens, landscaping, and sustainable growing.
Community impact: All proceeds support the 4 A Better City Charitable Trust, funding local initiatives that help create a greener, fairer community.
Fresh Start Compost is good for your garden and great for your community.
Coming soon to Park Street! Stay tuned for our launch date and product availability.
Supporting men through meaningful employment
Many men in our community have faced tough times and are looking for a fresh start — a chance to rebuild confidence, purpose, and stability. At Mahinga Kai Composting, we’re committed to creating pathways for those who need them through meaningful employment, access to stable accommodation, mentoring, and a supportive men’s group.
While not every member of our team requires this level of support, we are an organisation focused on providing opportunities and empowering people to move forward in life with pride and purpose
Shop fresh vegetables and more - coming soon
Fresh, local produce is just a few clicks away! Each purchase supports our urban farm and helps make fresh, healthy food more accessible to the community. Ready to enjoy farm-fresh veggies?
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Suite 105, 22 Lane St, Upper Hutt 5018
04 527 4001
office@4abettercity.nz