Far North District Council

Location: Northland
Population:Approx 56,000

The Far North District is the northern-most district in New Zealand with a land area of 6,822 square kilometres and over 1,700 kilometres of coastline. Major points of interest of the region include the historic site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi; the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands; the majestic Hokianga harbour; Ninety-Mile beach and Cape Reinga lighthouse at the very top of New Zealand.

Population is estimated at 56,000, with Maori comprising over 42% of this. 22% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, forestry and tourism; 21% in the community, social and personal sector; with the retail trade employing 12%.

The three main towns are Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Kaitaia. The main council offices are situated in Kaikohe, with outposts in other centres.

CURRENT WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES

The district has two landfills that are serviced by a network of transfer stations feeding into the landfills. The transfer stations have recycling facilities. The council charges for disposal of refuse at its manned transfer stations and at the landfills. Last year the district diverted an estimated 10% of resources which otherwise would have gone to landfill.

ZERO WASTE IN THE FAR NORTH

The FNDC was one of the first ten councils in New Zealand to adopt the philosophy of Zero Waste in 1999.

CURRENT FNDC INITIATIVES

1. Charging to dispose of refuse but allowing clean, sorted material that can be recycled to be disposed of at no charge.

2. Providing recycling facilities at all of its transfer stations.

3. Sponsoring a Far North District waste minimisation campaign (Slash Trash) [$55,000 per year].

Slash Trash is an educational, promotional and marketing campaign aiming to create and foster positive new habits towards resource recovery among the Far North population and visitors. The campaign focuses on schools, community grops and businesses.

FNDC was pleased to host the 2nd Annual Zero Waste Conference in Kaitaia in December 2000.