We are proud to announce The Kai Ika Project as the winner of Westhaven Marina’s 2025 Sustainable Action of the Year Award, in recognition of their Cans for Kai initiative.
This award celebrates individuals and businesses demonstrating exceptional commitment to reducing environmental impact, protecting natural ecosystems, and conserving biodiversity for future generations. It recognises those who lead by example in protecting our environment through sustainable actions such as beach litter collections, hybrid or electric boating innovations, responsible waste management, and the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
Cans for Kai is a perfect example of these values in action. By installing aluminium can collection points throughout Westhaven Marina, this initiative encourages boaties to recycle responsibly – reducing waste to landfill and helping protect our marine environment.
What makes this initiative exceptional is its circular impact: proceeds from the recycled cans directly support the redistribution of fish heads and frames to Auckland families experiencing food insecurity. This not only reduces waste, but also strengthens food security, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.
“We’re absolutely stoked to be recognised for the Cans for Kai initiative,” says Sam Woolford, LegaSea Lead.
“A big thanks to Westhaven Marina for allowing us to operate as we do; we couldn’t have done it without their ongoing support. The Kai Ika Project is completely unique, and we appreciate the fact that Westhaven continues to accommodate us,” continues Sam.
The Kai Ika team, in conjunction with Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae, collects and distributes the fish heads and frames to appreciative families around Auckland, who value these fish parts. Other parts of the fish are used to make nutritious fish stock and Kai Ika’s famous fish soup. Offal is separated out and used as organic fertiliser in the marae community gardens, where the focus is on regenerative growing practices.
Ingrid Waddell, Events and Partnerships Manager, Phoenix Recycling Group, adds: “It’s our privilege to be the recycling partner for The Kai Ika Project and Cans for Kai. This award is wonderful recognition for LegaSea and their tremendous work with this initiative.”
Through Cans for Kai, The Kai Ika Project continues to set a powerful example of how small actions, rooted in care for people and planet, can make a lasting impact.
Congratulations to the team on this well-deserved recognition!
📸 Check out the photos of the award recipients and our marina manager below – from left to right:
Ingrid Waddell – Phoenix Recycling Group
Gareth Wilson – Westhaven Marina
Matt Welch – The Kai Ika Project / LegaSea
Carlos Hotene – Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae
Kharl Rameka – Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae
