30 March 2026
Consultation is now open on the draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) 2025–2031, which outlines the changes needed to reduce waste and strengthen recovery across Tairāwhiti.
Under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, every council must adopt and review a Waste Management and Minimisation Plan every 6-years.
Solid Waste Manager Phil Nickerson said engagement over the past year helped shape the Tairāwhiti draft WMMP, including conversations with iwi and hapū, community groups, rural communities, businesses and waste operators. That input helped refine the focus areas and make the document clearer and easier for people to follow.
“It sets out practical steps people asked for – clearer recycling information, more consistent services, better recovery options and fairer access for rural communities,” said Mr Nickerson.
The draft WMMP outlines how waste will be reduced and managed in Tairāwhiti over the next six years. It responds to ongoing challenges – rising waste to landfill, increasing illegal dumping and the cost of sending waste out of the region for sorting or disposal – while building on practical, community led initiatives already happening.
“There is already a lot of great mahi happening across the region. This plan builds on that work and brings more consistency to how services operate,” said Mr Nickerson.
“It also sets out how we’ll reduce illegal dumping and support better recovery across both urban and rural areas.”
The draft WMMP brings together improvements across recycling information, local recovery options and support for rural services, outlining the actions needed to keep waste out of landfill and support a more resilient system.
Submissions close 5pm Thursday 23 April.
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