March 2026

FIRST72 has been working with The Packaging Forum to help get over 1,800 recycled plastic fence posts into the Wairoa and wider East Coast community – part of a $150,000 donation of fencing materials now being delivered across flood-affected regions of the North Island.

Seven trucks are currently delivering more than 7,000 fence posts and rails across Wairoa, Gisborne and Paeroa, restoring over 30km of fencing damaged by storms and flooding earlier this year. The posts are manufactured by Future Post from 100% recycled plastic, including soft plastics collected at supermarket bins nationwide.

The Packaging Forum coordinated the donation alongside scheme members including Nestlé, Woolworths, Sanitarium, and PepsiCo, with FIRST72 helping facilitate distribution on the ground alongside Wairoa District Council and the Wairoa Rural Advisory Group.

It’s an area we know well. FIRST72 has over 30+ EPODs deployed across the East Coast, supporting whānau, marae and communities who have faced more than their fair share of severe weather events in recent years.

“The East Coast has been hit hard” said Harry McPhail, General Manager of FIRST72. “These communities are resilient, but recovery takes time and real resources. We’re proud to play whatever role we can in supporting them and helping get these donated fencing materials to farmers who need to get back on their feet.”

Packaging Forum chief executive Craig Miller also acknowledged FIRST72’s contribution: “The forum is working with First72 and the Wairoa District Council and Rural Advisory Group to facilitate the process.”

Read the full story here: NZ Herald, 17 March 2026