Mō Mātou | About Us
Our Story
Mission
Healthy environments supported by thriving communities.
Vision
A voice for the environment, a centre for learning and a catalyst for change.
History
Go Eco began as a small kākano (seed) in 1993 with the creation of the Hamilton Community Environmental Programme. Growing community interest led to the formation of the Hamilton Environment Centre Trust in 2002, and by 2003 the Centre was a hub for conservation, waste minimisation, energy efficiency, and sustainable living.
As a tipu (seedling), the Trust expanded its focus to the wider Waikato region, becoming the Waikato Environment Centre Trust.
In 2015, it helped establish the national network Environment Hubs Aotearoa (EHA). Now a kōhuri (sapling), the Centre introduced new initiatives including Kaivolution food rescue, e-waste recycling, a sustainable living store, and expanded community education.
The Centre rebranded as Go Eco in 2017, reflecting its broader role and growing activities. Today, as a mature rākau whai hua (fruiting tree), Go Eco supports a regional ecosystem of communities, ideas, and projects that foster healthy environments and thriving Waikato communities.
Our Projects
Go Eco enables practical, community-shaped solutions that recognise the health of te taiao and people as inseparable, with projects that drive systems change guided by mana whenua, hapū, and local knowledge.
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Zero Waste
A Waikato where people, whenua and taiao thrive through circular, regenerative, and tikanga-aligned waste systems led by communities.
Our Board
Louise Hutt
Chairperson
Passionate about evidence-based decisions, future-focused strategies, and telling stories that change hearts and minds.
Matt Kofoed
Trustee
Matt is a process driven communication, engagement and stakeholder management professional, specialising in the civil construction industry.
Céline Louche
Trustee
Céline is Professor of Business and Society at the University of Waikato.
Areta Ranginui-Charlton
Trustee
Emerging Kaupapa Māori evaluator. Nō Ngāi Tūhoe me Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana.
Helen Percy
Trustee
Strategic planning and senior scientist. Helen focuses on the ‘how’ in research practice to create impact for society and the environment.
Ellieda Komene
Trustee
No Ngāpuhi, Ellieda has a background in education, community and social services, health and government sectors. She is passionate about social and environmental issues, helping people and working with communities.
Danielle Marks
Trustee
Passionate about mana motuhake. He mokopuna tenei o Te Arawa, Tūwharetoa, Fiji, Tonga hoki.
Cassidy Temese
Trustee
Cassidy is of Maniapoto, Waikato and Ngāpuhi descent, and is connected to many of the marae of the district. They have engaged with ŌDC through a number of projects over the years within an iwi and marae capacity.
Ngā mihi nui
Thank you to all our partners and supporters
Go Eco thrives because of the incredible community of partners and supporters who stand alongside us. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following organisations whose contributions enable us to protect our environment and support our local communities.
Sponsors and Donors
Service Providers for:
Networks
Go Eco actively networks with like-minded, values-driven organisations across Aotearoa to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and amplify impact for communities and the environment.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty