Support for Slash for Cash workshop

Thabiso Mashaba thanks Tolaga Bay whānau for their support and showing an interest in their start-up Slash for Cash which aims to clean up the environment and at the same time help earn a living. Graduates included in the group in no particular order are Peugee Wilkie, Keagan Maraki, Kalib Crawford-Whakataka, Tawhipare Gray, Greg Smith, Roger Te Puni, Mathew Te Puni, Sheree Hailey, Ngahina Chase, Manaia Greer, Rikayden Pardoe, Sean Kemp, Navarone Walker, Junior Tuapawa. Picture by Liam Clayton

More than a dozen community members were given full training

on how to create activated biochar and smokeless briquettes at Tolaga Bay Innovation Hub last month.

After their recent success of placing second in Tairāwhiti’s Start-up Weekend event, this training workshop was a pilot run for the start-up team Slash For Cash.

On the day, locals were given a run down on the team’s objectives and the process to make products from slash that is both environment-friendly and helps whānau earn a living.

Team leader Thabiso Mashaba said participants were taught some basic metal working to make buckets which would be used as kilns to burn slash and carbonise it.

“Then we showed them how to make a crusher, taught them some basic wood and metal working with simple tools that work without the need of electricity, in case some of them don’t have access to it.

“After that they learnt how to segregate the activated biochar product from the briquettes. While one is mixed with pee, the other needs to be mixed with a bit of cornflour to give it structure when pressed.”

Mr Mashaba said his team has been providing training to other areas including a community in Tikitiki and Ruatoria.

One of the participants said: “For me it’s nice to do something hands on and I really appreciate our tutor, Thabiso, sharing his knowledge with us.”

Mr Mashaba said he thanks Eastern Institute of Technology for supporting the start-up with some tools, material for the training, and collaborating on the event.

EIT Ace programme coordinator Bridget French-Hall said: “I feel grateful that I was here at the right time about five weeks ago. I researched him (Thabiso Mashaba) and his kaupapa and I was intrigued. I guess his vision for the start-up, especially when it comes to employment and business opportunities, is something in great need.

“I believe that this is one of the things that can get big and I’m really proud to be standing with EIT and being part of the roll-out.”

The team now look forward to talks with the Wairoa Council for a pilot project.

■ Contact Thabiso Mashaba at

Thabisoblak@these-hands.org