Recently Mangere Bridge’s very own Janine Nillesen was recognised at the Tamaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for her long-term commitment to reducing waste.
The citation at the award summed up Janine’s contribution to her local community, including the following:
“Janine is the co-chair and has been the main driver of Friends of the Farm, since its creation fourteen years ago. Today, the organisation is dedicated to creating a caring, connected and wastewise Mangere Bridge community. Friends of the Farm has led the zero waste kaupapa in its community, supporting Ambury Regional Park and other local organisations to run zero waste events. There’s now a community orchard where workshops and repair cafes are run, and a food forest is being planned. Her long-term dedication to this work means she is recognised as the go to for zero waste in Mangere Bridge.”
When Janine’s manager Bronwen Lehman, Senior Ranger- Recreation and Education of the Southern Regional Park/Parks and Community Facilities, heard about the award, she wrote, “In my opinion, there couldn’t be a more deserving recipient. Janine’s contribution to the community is incredibly evident in the amount of time, energy and enthusiasm she puts into making things happen. Janine is constantly contributing behind the scenes to make a positive difference, and her commitment extends well beyond any single event or project. She has built strong relationships across the wider community.
“As is very much Janine’s way, she has completely underplayed the significance of this achievement. But I think it absolutely deserves a shout-out and for us to acknowledge the incredible contribution she has made over many years. We are very lucky to have you as part of the Ambury team and community.”
Then the Mangere Bridge Business Association heard about the honour bestowed on Janine and posted on Facebook, “ [We] love working alongside you and your incredible crew at Friends of the Farm. You’re always first to put your hand up to support our community, and we are so lucky to have you here in Mangere Bridge. Your positive impact on our environment will be felt for generations to come.”
The Facebook post quickly gathered hundreds of likes and positive comments as the news spread throughout the community.
Friend of the Farm were at the awards alongside Janine to celebrate her success. Long-time member Caroline said, “We nominated Janine for the award because we felt it was time that her huge contribution to the community’s wastewise journey, and also community events, was recognised. Janine has great ideas, many of which contribute to Friends of the Farm being so well known in Māngere Bridge. One of our most popular events came from a moment of inspiration. She’s the person to thank for the Matariki candlelight walk, which has doubled in popularity each year since it started. She also recognises and supports good ideas from others, such as the giant pumpkin competition, where an idea from the community was seized on, upscaled and organised into the event we are all looking forward to again in October this year.”
And what did Janine herself say when she had calmed down and got over the surprise of hearing her name called out?
“I’m too young to be getting a lifetime award! It’s also a team effort, I’m just the bossiest!”
“Yay!” rejoiced local Juan Unda, “she’s my idol!”
Read more…
- 2026 Pumpkin Competition Details and Rules
- J9’s Lifetime Award for Zero Waste
- Bridge Connect Evenings for new residents 2026
- Beanies, blankets, jumpers, toys, slippers…
- Māngere Bridge – Events Summary for May
- Wash Against Waste – Another Local Initiative
- Fidget Squares Debut at Craft Group
- Tap n Shake Repair Café March 2026
- Crafty Graft at the Library
- 2026 Begins at Māngere Bridge Community Orchard Working Bee
