Joel, 29, Northcote

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a commercial property manager who works for a NZX listed property fund. I live with my wife Kate and we’ve recently brought our first home together in Northcote.

Which composting methods do you use?

I use a mixture of horse manure, sourced from the local Chelsea Pony Club on Eskdale Road, seaweed, picked up from a local beach and green waste from my garden to create my compost. I also add additional comfrey for nutrients.

When did you start composting?

When I moved into this house, about 15 months ago, although I learnt the basics from my dad when I was a kid.

Why do you do it?

To improve my soils so that I have a more productive and healthy garden. It’s also super handy when I need a place to put my green waste.

What do you love about it?

Lifting the compost bin once the composting cycle is complete and the green waste has turned into highly fertile compost, ready to be spread around the garden.

How do you think we can encourage more Aucklanders to compost?

Encourage kids from a young age to get involved in composting and gardening. It would be fantastic to see more gardens, both vegetable and flowers at pre and primary schools, supported by compost bins. Teaching children how to garden, recycle green waste and use environmental friendly products will hopefully encourage good habits in future years.

The Compost Collective runs free composting workshops all across Auckland. Participants get a $40 discount voucher to use on a compost system that suits them.