Peri Guan can’t wait to help Chinese people find out more about reducing food waste and saving money – in their own language.

The Christchurch local is one of the Waste-Ed with Kate trainers who are presenting workshops to Chinese, Samoan and Indian communities as part of a new community outreach programme, co-funded by the Ministry for the Environment and Christchurch City Council. Workshops are being held in Christchurch and around the country, with support from other Councils.

Miss Guan found out about the trainer role through the Council and is pleased she can use her Mandarin language skills to teach people about such an important topic.

“Sustainability and reducing waste are topics that relate to everyone’s daily life, and I like that these workshops focus on practical changes people can actually apply in real life.

“I hope people come away from the workshop feeling that sustainability doesn’t always have to be something big or complicated. Sometimes small changes in daily life can already make a meaningful difference. From an individual perspective, it can also help save money.”

She thinks a wide range of people will benefit if they attend, especially if they find English hard to understand at times.

“This will be helpful for people who feel more comfortable learning in their own language, because sometimes it’s easier to connect with the topic and share personal experiences in a more familiar environment.”

She also sees the workshops as a way to help bring communities together.

“Language is part of that, but it’s not just about translation – cultural context matters too. Different communities have different habits, values and relationships with food. Delivering these workshops in a more localised and relatable way helps make the content feel more relevant and accessible.”

The Samoan workshop has already been held earlier this month and generated a lot of positive feedback.

Waste-Ed with Kate is a New Zealand-based educational initiative focused on waste minimisation and sustainable living, running workshops, online courses and events to help households and businesses.

Workshop times

• The Mandarin workshop is being held on Thursday 28 May, from 10.30am, until 11.30am, at Kevler Homes, 10 Logistics Drive, Harewood.
• A Hindi workshop is scheduled for Saturday 20 June, from 10.30am, until 11.30am, at Ōrauwhata Bishopdale Community Centre, 13 Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Mall.