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Ripyl® Named Best Startup at EDUtech 2025

Ripyl®, the innovative platform redefining business and commerce education, has been named Best Startup at EDUtech 2025 after winning the prestigious Shark Tank Competition. Recognised for its proven impact across 11 countries, Ripyl stood out for delivering curriculum-aligned, teacher-driven resources that empower students with real-world skills. The award cements Ripyl’s commitment to keeping educators and learners at the heart of EdTech, ensuring practical, relevant learning experiences that build critical and entrepreneurial mindsets for tomorrow’s leaders.

Recycling Week 2025: Identify Opportunities and Lead the Change

Recycling Week 2025 (20–26 October) is New Zealand’s largest waste minimisation and recycling education campaign. This year’s theme, “Identify Opportunities,” empowers businesses, schools, and councils to reduce waste, improve recycling habits, and take action toward a more sustainable New Zealand. Free resources available for all registered participants.

Voting Opens for 2025 New Zealand Tree of the Year

Tree of the Year NZ 2025 launches this week, inviting the public to vote for their favourite from a shortlist of six remarkable trees across the country. Run by the NZ Notable Trees Trust, Tree of the Year is a celebration of the iconic trees that shape our landscapes, memories, and communities.

Fieldays Forestry Hub: ‘Biochar fixes carbon’

Biochar Network New Zealand is delighted to be part of the Forestry Hub again at Fieldays 2025. In New Zealand and internationally, biochar made from forestry residues is used for a variety of regenerative agriculture applications, saving farmers money, and increasing productivity. BNNZ will be demonstrating the principles of pyrolysis & gasification for biochar production over the four days. The BNNZ team will also be presenting in the Forestry Hub main stage on biochar production and its applications to agriculture and the natural environment.

Invercargill to Consider Ethical Procurement

Invercargill City Council has requested a staff report on a proposal to amend its procurement policy to exclude companies involved in illegal Israeli settlements, following a motion from local residents and the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. If adopted, Invercargill would join other New Zealand councils aligning with international law and UN Resolution 2334, aiming to ensure ratepayer funds are spent ethically. The council vote will be scheduled once the report is complete.