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Plan to tackle period poverty taking off in Waihi and Paeroa

March 11, 2019

A plan to end period poverty is gaining traction in the Waikato after getting backing from the Hauraki District Council.

The idea originated when Rachel Payne and Rebecca Cullimore set up Waihi business The Sustainable Pantry around four months ago.

Among other eco-friendly health products, the business stocked reusable silicon menstrual cups that cut down on the waste from throwaway sanitary products.

Ms Payne decided that her new business should try and make the menstrual cups available to those who may not be able to afford them.

"We were aware some young women were missing school during their period because they couldn’t afford to buy traditional sanitary products, and we knew the upfront cost of a menstrual cup would be too expensive for many.

"So, we made them available at our shop for a gold coin donation," she says.

The plan proved to be a popular one with the first 250 cups selling out fast.

Waihi Ward Councillor Anne Marie Spicer heard about the idea and wanted to get on board.

"I heard about this great thing some local businesswomen were doing and I knew it was exactly the kind of project the Council would want to support," Ms Spicer said.

Hauraki Deputy Mayor Toby Adams says it was an easy decision to fund the next shipment of cups.

"I don’t think there was even any discussion. It was one hundred percent yes that we get behind this.

"Poverty is real in our towns. Waihi and Paeroa have some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country," Mr Adams said.

There are now plans to expand the initiative into schools in the Hauraki District.

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