The countdown is on for Envirohub Bay of Plenty’s much-anticipated Climate Action Festival 2025, returning for its third year from November 9-16.
The week-long celebration promises a vibrant mix of inspiration, innovation, and community spirit, uniting people across the region to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.
Envirohub community co-ordinator Cathy Donnelly said this year’s theme, ‘Everyday Changemakers’, highlights those making a real difference in their communities, from eco-entrepreneurs and youth advocates to local groups and curious residents taking their first steps on their sustainability journeys.
“Expect hands-on workshops, thought-provoking talks, film screenings, and family-friendly events all designed to spark connection and collective action,” Donnelly said.
A standout of this year’s programme is Future Voices, a youth speakers forum on November 13, where passionate rangatahi (youth) will take centre stage to share their climate journeys, bold ideas, and visions for a greener Aotearoa.
Festival’s spirit
“Their energy and creativity embody the festival’s spirit – transforming Greta Thunberg’s famous ‘how dare you’ into a hopeful ‘why don’t we?’," Donnelly said.
Festival highlights include Ecosystems in Action, the festival launch at the University of Waikato’s Windermere Campus on November 11.
“This will feature a screening of Think Like a Forest, with introductions by Pā Ropata [Rob McGowan] and director Sam Rowland.
“The evening explores how restoring ecological balance starts in our own backyards, with insights from Prof Chris Battershill, Rose Riley, and Louise Saunders.”
A $1 second-hand clothing sale will be held on November 14, at The Cargo Shed. Photo / Supplied.
On November 12, local designer Emma La Rocca of Emroce Swimwear will lead a beginner-friendly session on reducing textile waste through smarter design at the Zero Waste Pattern Marking Workshop.
A $1 second-hand clothing sale for people to refresh their wardrobes sustainably will be held on November 14, at The Cargo Shed, with proceeds supporting the Turning Point Trust.
Following this, it’s time to learn practical ways to future-proof your home and make it climate-resilient with Sustainability Options and Tauranga City Council on November 15.
On Sunday, November 16, there will be the Wai Ora: Water for Our People Workshop and Climate Canvas Awards.
Hands-on water science
“This will be the festival wrap-up with hands-on water science run by the Toi Ohomai environmental management course, and an awards ceremony celebrating climate-inspired art, in partnership with Creative Bay of Plenty,” Donnelly said.
“We’re grateful for the support of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Events Fund for the Climate Action Festival which offers something for everyone. Collective action starts right here, in our own backyard.”
For full details and tickets, visit: envirohub.org.nz or contact hannah@envirohub.org.nz