A community-led social enterprise is turning wood debris into environmental, economic and social uplift for Tairāwhiti and neighbouring regions.
Slash for Cash, a kaupapa led by the Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust, was established in response to the widespread slash damage caused by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, which left whenua, waterways, homes and infrastructure vulnerable to flooding and erosion. Rather than seeing slash as waste, Slash for Cash treats it as a resource that can be repurposed to support land restoration and community wellbeing.
Using mobile carbonisation kilns, Slash for Cash converts wood debris into biochar fertiliser and smokeless briquettes. This removes slash from high-risk areas, helps prevent further flood damage, improves soil health, and locks carbon away, contributing to climate resilience.
Slash for Cash provides training, transitional employment and long-term job pathways for whānau and rangatahi across Tolaga Bay, Ruatōria and Wairoa. Kaimahi (workers) gain practical skills in health and safety, maara kai, mātauranga Māori, science and engineering knowledge.
This mahi enables communities still recovering from weather events to take a leading role in restoring their whenua while building skills and income closer to home.
A collaborative approach with Slash for Cash, iwi and other local stakeholders ensures the kaupapa remains community-owned and grounded in kaitiakitanga, innovation and long-term sustainability.
Trust Tairāwhiti is proud to have supported Slash for Cash with just over $203k in funding to help sustain and grow the kaupapa.
More information on Slash for Cash products and services can be found by contacting the team using the link below.