Zero Waste: Central Hawkes Bay District Council

Location: Hawkes Bay
Population: 13,000

Situated between Hastings District to the north and Tararua District to the south, Central Hawkes Bay enjoys a pleasant climate and rural ambience. The two main towns are Waipukurau and Waipawa, with around 4,000 and 2,000 residents respectively. In addition there are the villages of Takapau, Tikokino, Otane and Onga Onga. Superb sandy beaches nestled in picturesque bays attract many holidaymakers from outside the District and overseas. There are many opportunities for hunting and tramping including access to the Ruahine Forest Park. In addition, there are a number of historic villages, country gardens, notable churches and museums. Cropping, farming and the associated processing and support industries provide much of the employment.

While sheep farming is prevalent (Pourerere was Hawkes Bay's first sheep station), dairying is becoming increasingly significant. As in many other regions, forestry will become a major activity in the future.

The Central Hawkes Bay District Council adopted the Zero Waste by 2015 target in April 2001. This target was included in the new Solid Waste Management Plan 2001. Key responses in the Plan include the Zero Waste goal, the establishment of a Waste Reduction Funding Committee and the contracting of the Hawkes Bay Waste Minimisation Officer.

They have introduced the following waste management system in order to work towards goal being Zero Waste to landfill by 2015:

• A kerbside collection for recyclable materials in the main towns of Waipukurau and Waipawa have been introduced from July 2003 (to be funded through rates).
• Drop-off centres for recyclable materials in Waipukurau, Waipawa, Otane, Tikokino, OngaOnga and Porangahau will be operating in July-August 2003. Drop-off centre in Takapau is already operating.
• Restricted operating hours and charging at our refuse transfer stations will be introduced in August 2003.
• Greenwaste separation at Waipukurau, Waipawa, Takapau and Porangahau transfer stations will be introduced in August 2003. The separated greenwaste will be composted and removed from the District (a cost differential will apply to encourage people to separate their greenwaste).
• Smaller capacity 35 litres official Council bags have been introduced for domestic refuse collection from July 2003. 52 bags will be delivered each year to all household receiving rubbish bags collection. Any extra bags need to be purchased by householders at a cost of $1.00 each.
• Council has employed Waste Minimisation Education Officer on 6 months fixed-term basis in order to develop a publicity campaign to promote the benefits of the new system.

For more information contact Jag Pannu on 06 857 8060.