About Us
Green Waste Products NZ is an early-stage Māori cleantech company on a mission to transform gorse, one of Aotearoa’s most pervasive invasive weeds, into sustainable, high-value bioplastics and natural oil products. Our current focus is unlocking the potential of gorse oil for innovative cosmeceutical applications.
Based in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), our kaupapa is grounded in circular economy principles, whenua regeneration, and harnessing science, innovation, and partnerships to turn ecological challenges into opportunities.
Aotearoa is home to over 25,000 exotic plant species, with hundreds threatening our native ecosystems. Gorse alone covers around 1.7 million acres — and it’s still spreading. We work alongside local communities, Māori, businesses, and organisations to create a more resilient future by quite literally turning gorse into gold.
The world's first gorse-based bioplastic golf tee prototypes
It's been 3.5 years in the making but finally we've got some gorsome news to share. Introducing to you the world's first gorse-based bioplastic golf tees, made from a blend that contains 30% gorse and a natural agri-based polymer.
A big thank you to all the believers for your support and there have been many of you from funders, partners, gorsome humans with specific skills and knowledge who have offered insights and encouragement and of course family and friends.
We're on a mission to turn more of this green waste into gold.
2025 Tupu Accelerator Journey
What an incredible evening at the Auckland Art Gallery to close out our 8-week Tupu Accelerator Programme — https://tupu.org.nz/.
Huge thanks to Tapuwae Roa, Sprout Agritech, and Callaghan Innovation for creating a platform where Māori innovators can unlock potential, chase dreams, and drive meaningful impact.
We were fortunate to have an outstanding delivery team led by Te Puoho, Aunty Saara, James, Brittany, and Ian, along with inspiring guest speakers who shared real-world experiences and practical solutions.
Lastly, a special mihi to my fellow cohort members — you made this journey richer, more inspiring, and truly memorable.
Koro Carman - Founder & CEO
Koro is from the Hokianga on the West Coast of Northland, and has over 30 years of experience in environmental, cultural, and community tourism development.
He is the founder of the internationally acclaimed ecotourism venture Footprints Waipoua, which created local jobs and supported many other businesses in a region challenged by high unemployment.
In 2009, Koro was part of the team behind the world’s first Union of Ancient Trees agreement, a groundbreaking initiative designed to build meaningful connections between cultures, communities, and the natural world.
Outside of work, Koro is the proud father of a 20-year-old daughter who studied in South Korea in 2024 and aspires to pursue a career in science.