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Waste services contract extended

The waste services contract between Buller District Council (BDC) and Smart Environmental has been extended and zone one residents will use pre-paid rubbish bags for another year.
“Council is working to procure a new zone one contractor. One of the main changes in the procurement contract will be to include the implementation of rubbish “wheelie” bins, instead of rubbish bags,” BDC Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says.
Earlier this year Mr Blom outlined that further information and clarification about estimated costs had been requested relating to the proposed new contract, impacting on the implementation of the new waste collectionContinue reading
The waste services contract between Buller District Council (BDC) and Smart Environmental has been extended and zone one residents will use pre-paid rubbish bags for another year.
“Council is working to procure a new zone one contractor. One of the main changes in the procurement contract will be to include the implementation of rubbish “wheelie” bins, instead of rubbish bags,” BDC Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says.
Earlier this year Mr Blom outlined that further information and clarification about estimated costs had been requested relating to the proposed new contract, impacting on the implementation of the new waste collection service.
As a consequence, Council has chosen to extend the Smart Environmental contract until July 2027, meaning there is no change for residents until that time.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone one covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
Zone two covers the Karamea area north of the Mokihinui Bridge and zone three is beyond Blacks Point, including Springs Junction and Maruia. These areas are not affected by the change, as they have no kerbside collection.
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.
Refuse bags to stay for another year

People living in in Zone one including Westport, Reefton, and surrounding areas, will continue to dispose of their rubbish using pre-paid rubbish bags until mid-2027.
Buller District Council intended to change the way rubbish is managed in Refuse Zone one by 1 July 2026, replacing rubbish bags with wheelie bins, paid for through a targeted rate.
This change will align with the start of Zone one's new 10-year waste management contract. The contract includes running waste and recycling services and facilities in Zone one, collecting kerbside rubbish and recycling, operating the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations, and emptying public litterContinue reading
People living in in Zone one including Westport, Reefton, and surrounding areas, will continue to dispose of their rubbish using pre-paid rubbish bags until mid-2027.
Buller District Council intended to change the way rubbish is managed in Refuse Zone one by 1 July 2026, replacing rubbish bags with wheelie bins, paid for through a targeted rate.
This change will align with the start of Zone one's new 10-year waste management contract. The contract includes running waste and recycling services and facilities in Zone one, collecting kerbside rubbish and recycling, operating the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations, and emptying public litter bins in urban areas.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “In August 2025, after deciding on a council-provided wheelie bin collection service paid through a targeted rate, we went back to waste management suppliers through a selective tender process.”
“After reviewing the proposals, we established that we needed to understand in more depth how the community would take up the proposed refuse wheelie bin service.”
In April 2025, councillors decided to introduce refuse wheelie bins in Zone one, to be paid for through a targeted rate. Property owners would have the choice between an 80 L,120 L, or 240 L wheelie bin. Alternatively, property owners could opt out of kerbside rubbish collection altogether.
Mr Blom explains: “The option to opt out, and the different bin sizes at different price points give people the ability to tailor the service to their needs. However, it adds complexity to estimating how much income the new system will generate.”
Knowing the total amount of rubbish to be collected through the service is vital for approximating the targeted rate for each bin size that is charged to each user.”
Mr Blom outlines: “To further our contract clarification, we need more details and have therefore decided to delay the implementation of wheelie bins by 12 months. This will give us enough time to negotiate firm contract terms and will allow sufficient lead time to roll out the wheelie bins.”
Council is in discussion with the current waste management contract holder, Smart Environmental Ltd, to extend the existing contract by 12 months.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone one covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, from Westport to Punakaiki, from Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and from Reefton to Ikamatua.
Zone two covers the Karamea area north of the Mokihinui Bridge and Zone three is beyond Blacks Point, including Springs Junction and Maruia. These areas are not affected by the change, as they have no kerbside collection.
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.
Buller District Council’s revised waste services contract to be retendered

Buller District Council has released its updated waste services contract Request for Proposal to the market via selective tendering, where only existing tenderers are invited to resubmit.
Applications are open for the next five weeks, until Thursday, 18 September. The contract, effective for 2026-2036, has an updated scope of services.
In April 2025, the council decided to move to a rubbish collection service paid through a targeted rate for Buller’s Zone one, rather than the previously proposed pay-as-you-throw model.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “It was proposed that the scope of services would be modified and run throughContinue reading
Buller District Council has released its updated waste services contract Request for Proposal to the market via selective tendering, where only existing tenderers are invited to resubmit.
Applications are open for the next five weeks, until Thursday, 18 September. The contract, effective for 2026-2036, has an updated scope of services.
In April 2025, the council decided to move to a rubbish collection service paid through a targeted rate for Buller’s Zone one, rather than the previously proposed pay-as-you-throw model.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “It was proposed that the scope of services would be modified and run through a revised contract and tender process. All companies that tendered initially have indicated they are open to receiving the revised scope of services and tendering again.”
The new waste management contract will encompass the management of waste and recycling services and facilities in Zone one, including kerbside rubbish and recycling collection, operations at Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations, and the emptying of public litter bins in urban areas.
Council’s current contract with Smart Environmental Ltd was extended by 12 months earlier in 2025 and will end on 30 June 2026.
The council initially went to the open market in September 2024, seeking proposals from waste management companies interested in providing waste management services for the ten years from 1 July 2025.
“Proposals from tenderers were received, but following the evaluation, further operational risks were identified, resulting in the council deciding to review the scope of services,” continues Mr Blom.
Council expects the current procurement process to be finalised in late 2025, with a preferred supplier expected to be confirmed and endorsed by the council in November 2025, ready for the new contract to commence on 1 July 2026.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone one covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.
Council changes course for waste management in Buller

Council has reconsidered the course for the future of rubbish collection in Buller’s largest refuse and recycling zone. Council has decided to move to a rubbish collection service paid through a targeted rate in Zone 1, rather than the previously proposed pay-as-you-throw model.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone 1 covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
Starting from 1 July 2026, owners of properties eligible for rubbish collection will have the choice between a 80L, 120LContinue reading
Council has reconsidered the course for the future of rubbish collection in Buller’s largest refuse and recycling zone. Council has decided to move to a rubbish collection service paid through a targeted rate in Zone 1, rather than the previously proposed pay-as-you-throw model.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone 1 covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
Starting from 1 July 2026, owners of properties eligible for rubbish collection will have the choice between a 80L, 120L or a 240L wheelie bin, or they can opt to drop off their rubbish at the transfer stations and pay the per tonne charge. Alternatively, they can arrange a private collection service with a commercial operator.
If people select a regular collection, the targeted rate will vary according to the bin size chosen and will be charged as part of the property's rates bill. If a property owner opts out, the property will only be charged the targeted rate for the recycling collection.
In September 2024, council went to the open market seeking proposals from waste management companies interested in providing comprehensive waste management for the next ten years, starting from 1 July 2025. Three companies tendered for the contract.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom explains: “When we received the tender responses and cost estimates, the high risks and cost increase associated with the pay-as-you-throw model and other aspects of the contract became clear.”
“With the new approach to fund the waste collection through a targeted rate, we can offer a reliable, cost-effective, compliant waste collection that reduces the financial risk for council and ratepayers and offers a mechanism to select the amount of rubbish to be collected.”
One of the other key changes to the scope of service is that the operation of the Karamea and Maruia landfills will be managed by separate contract in order to minimise cost increases for these communities.
Also, different to the original proposal, the contractor will operate the transfer stations and retain revenues from charges, including revenues from the sale of recyclables. The contractor will set gate fees and will cover all operational costs. This is the current operational model for the Westport and Reefton Transfer Station.
With the direction set, council will draft a new scope of service and go out for a revised procurement process to the current tenderers to be finalised in late 2025. Once the procurement process is completed, council will confirm the preferred supplier to manage waste collection in Zone 1.
Mr Blom emphasises: “We are dedicated to serving people living in each of the refuse and recycling zones with the best waste management services possible.”
The new waste management system will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.
Council extends Buller’s waste management contract by one year

Council has re-extended the waste management contract with Smart Environmental for one year, until 30 June 2026.
Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) has delivered rubbish and recycling management in Buller’s waste management Zone one since 2014, with the current contract due to end on 30 June 2025.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone one covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
In September 2024, council went to the open market seeking proposals from waste management companies interested inContinue reading
Council has re-extended the waste management contract with Smart Environmental for one year, until 30 June 2026.
Smart Environmental Ltd (SEL) has delivered rubbish and recycling management in Buller’s waste management Zone one since 2014, with the current contract due to end on 30 June 2025.
The Buller District is divided into three zones for recycling and refuse. Zone one covers Westport, the areas from Westport to the Mōkihinui Bridge, Westport to Punakaiki, Westport to Reefton (including Blacks Point), and Reefton to Ikamatua.
In September 2024, council went to the open market seeking proposals from waste management companies interested in providing waste management for the next ten years, starting from 1 July 2025.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom emphasises council's commitment to good strategic planning and risk mitigation, stating: “Three proposals from tenderers were received and evaluated.
Following the evaluation, further operational risks were identified, resulting in council deciding to review the scope of services. This decision was due to our commitment to establishing a sound base for our waste management in the coming 10 years. Hence, we opted to review the scope of services, and address the risks identified to ensure the best value for our community.”
Council has carried out extensive community engagement, involving two rounds of consultation between August 2023 and May 2024 before going out to market.
Mr Blom explains: “We will now review the contract, and once drafted, complete the tender process. Due to the timeline required to work through this, the current waste management services contract requires a further 12-month extension from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.”
Therefore, residents in Zone one will continue to use the 60-litre pre-paid rubbish bags which are collected weekly, until 30 June 2026. No wheelie bins will be issued until the new scope of services is agreed on.
The new waste management contract will include managing waste and recycling services and facilities in Zone one, including rubbish and recycling kerbside collection, Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations operations, and emptying of public litter bins in urban areas.
Mr Blom outlines: “Tenderers were notified that council proposes to modify the scope of services and that this will be run through a revised contract and tender process.”
All three of the companies tendering confirmed that they would be open to receiving a revised scope of service and tendering again.
Council expects the procurement process to be finalised in late 2025, after which it will confirm the preferred supplier.
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.
Buller District Council makes a call on Zone One rubbish collection

At yesterday's council meeting, Buller District Council decided how rubbish will be collected and paid for in Zone One from 1 July 2025 onwards.
Councillors signed off on a fortnightly rubbish wheelie bin collection in Zone One, funded through a Pay as You Thow model. This was one of four options the community could provide feedback on during the recently held Zone One rubbish collection consultation.
This decision marks the end of extensive community engagement, which involved two rounds of consultation between August 2023 and May 2024. During the most recent consultation, 57% of the 150 submitters indicated their preferenceContinue reading
At yesterday's council meeting, Buller District Council decided how rubbish will be collected and paid for in Zone One from 1 July 2025 onwards.
Councillors signed off on a fortnightly rubbish wheelie bin collection in Zone One, funded through a Pay as You Thow model. This was one of four options the community could provide feedback on during the recently held Zone One rubbish collection consultation.
This decision marks the end of extensive community engagement, which involved two rounds of consultation between August 2023 and May 2024. During the most recent consultation, 57% of the 150 submitters indicated their preference to continue with a Pay as You Throw approach to funding the rubbish collection service.
With the direction set, from 1 July 2025, all ratepayers living in Zone One – except those on roads where the service is not provided – will be supplied with a 120-litre wheelie bin. The collection service will be fortnightly and there will be a charge made if a bin is picked up. The exact method of payment (tags, tokens or RFiD) will be worked out with the contractor through the tender and will be well publicised before the service goes live next year.
Manager Infrastructure Delivery Eric de Boer says: “It has been a long process, and council has engaged with the community along each part of the journey. Going through two stages of community consultation enabled us to refine our approach and really listen to what is important to the community while keeping an eye on the big picture, our obligations and trends in the waste management sector.
What we have arrived at is a model that will deliver waste management across our largest refuse and recycling zone.”
Council staff will now prepare a procurement and open tender process to obtain cost proposals from waste management companies New Zealand-wide. From the pool of tendering companies, a preferred provider will be chosen to collect the rubbish in Zone One from 1 July 2025 onwards.
Staff expect to go out with the open tender in August 2024. Once market tested prices have been obtained, these will be reported back to council for final approval before the contract can be awarded towards the end of the year.
The open tender will also include the recycling collection in Zone One and operating the Westport and Reefton Transfer Stations.
Mr de Boer says: “We will keep the community up to date during the process. Some stages of the tender process will require time, and we might not have a lot to share at least initially. There are parts of the tender process that are commercially sensitive and require us to be selective with what we can publicise.”
Residents can keep up to date through council’s website, Facebook page, or local media.

Zone One rubbish collection consultation results published

The results of the recent Zone One rubbish collection consultation have been published ahead of the hearings and deliberations this week.

The consultation was carried out between 12 April and 20 May 2024 and aimed to seek feedback about the rubbish collection services in Zone One that will be implemented from July 2025 onwards.

150 submissions were received (88 online and 62 written), and 18 submitters wish to speak to their submissions. 72% were from Westport, 12% from Inangahua/Reefton, 10% from Northern Buller, 4% from Southern Buller (including Charleston and Punakaiki), 2% were from outside the district, and 1% didContinue reading

The results of the recent Zone One rubbish collection consultation have been published ahead of the hearings and deliberations this week.

The consultation was carried out between 12 April and 20 May 2024 and aimed to seek feedback about the rubbish collection services in Zone One that will be implemented from July 2025 onwards.

35% of the submitters preferred Option 1, 30% preferred Option 4, 15% preferred Option 3, and 7% preferred Option 2. 14% of the submissions were counted as offering ‘no view’ due to submitters marking two or more options or not marking any option.

Overall, submitters indicated a preference for the Pay as You Throw model, reflected by the 57% of submitters in total who opted for Options 1, 2, and 3 which offer Pay as You Throw models.

The use of wheelie bins for rubbish collection was selected by 52% of the total submitters, who selected either Option 2, 3 or 4.

115 submitters commented on the proposal as part of the submission process. Staff analysed these comments, revealing why submitters chose each of the options.

Option	Main reasons to choose the option
1	Submitters who preferred Option 1 said they consider the current use of bags a fair approach. Several said that they only use a few bags per year, and a rates-funded model would penalise those who generate minimal rubbish. Others also expressed that the current system is very flexible. Some also said that council should not charge residents who don’t use the rubbish collection system and instead use other options like dropping rubbish off at the transfer stations. Some expressed that rates are expensive enough and that residents with lower incomes cannot afford more council charges. Some expressed that the current use of rubbish bags supports ratepayers committed to a sustainable lifestyle, those who minimise waste, make compost at home, have an organic property, or reuse where possible.
2	Submitters who prefer Option 2 expressed that a user-pays model is their preferred approach. They highlighted that they do not use the rubbish collection services because they drop off rubbish at the transfer station.
3	Submitters who selected Option 3 expressed that this option meets the principle of Pay as You Throw, while moving away from bags. Some expressed that they like that this option gives the council more control over charges and prices.
4	Submitters who chose Option 4 preferred this option because they think it better suits the needs of the wider community. They considered it to provide the best value for money, be more cost-effective, and reduce overall rubbish costs. Several outlined that they like the universal charges system because it will reduce illegal rubbish dumping and waste burning. Some highlight that this system works well in other regions and is a common approach in New Zealand. Submitters who chose Option 4 favoured changing from bags to bins, since bags are impractical and hard to keep sanitary. Some expressed that having different sizes of bins is a fair approach and would suit people who produce less waste.

Manager Infrastructure Delivery Eric de Boer says: “Council remains committed to providing a consistent, effective and future-focused rubbish collection service in Zone One and the feedback is very valuable in exploring what that could look like.”

“The next step is public hearings, which will be held on 5 June for people who wish to speak to their submissions. Councillors will consider the feedback and discuss it during deliberations the following week.”

Councillors will make a decision during the Full Council meeting on 26 June. Once a decision is made, an open tender process will be undertaken to contract the company providing rubbish collection in Zone One from 1 July 2025.

The full report, which includes a summary of the results, a detailed analysis, and individual submissions, can be found on council’s website in the July Council Agenda.

Notes to the reader

The four options included in the Statement of Proposal are:

Option 1 Status quo - private sector contractor provides a weekly pre-paid bag and wheelie bin collection via Pay as You Throw. Contractor sets pricing and charges for the service.
Option 2 Private sector contractor provides a 120-litre fortnightly wheelie bin collection via Pay as You Throw. Contractor sets pricing and charges for the service.
Option 3 Council, through a private sector contractor, provides a fortnightly wheelie bin collection with a single 120-litre bin size via Pay as You Throw. Council sets pricing and charges for the service (each household will receive a 120-litre wheelie bin).
Option 4 Council, through a private contractor, provides a fortnightly wheelie bin collection with several different bin size options, i.e. 80 litres, 120 litres or 240 litres. Council sets rate for each bin size and charges via targeted rates (each household will receive a 120-litre wheelie bin unless they opt for a different size).

Buller District Council to reconsult on rubbish collection services
Council will reconsult with the Buller community on the proposed changes to rubbish collection services. Residents can submit their feedback, via online and paper forms from April 12 to May 13, 2024.
The four options to be consulted on are:

Option 1: Status quo – A private sector contractor provides a weekly pre-paid bag and wheelie bin collection via ‘Pay As You Throw’ (PAYT). The contractor sets pricing and charges for the service.

Option 2: A private sector contractor provides wheelie bin collection via PAYT. The contractor sets pricing and charges for the service.

Option 3: Council, throughContinue reading
Council will reconsult with the Buller community on the proposed changes to rubbish collection services. Residents can submit their feedback, via online and paper forms from April 12 to May 13, 2024.
The four options to be consulted on are:
Option 1: Status quo – A private sector contractor provides a weekly pre-paid bag and wheelie bin collection via ‘Pay As You Throw’ (PAYT). The contractor sets pricing and charges for the service.
Option 2: A private sector contractor provides wheelie bin collection via PAYT. The contractor sets pricing and charges for the service.
Option 3: Council, through a private contractor, provides a fortnightly wheelie bin collection with a single 120-litre bin size, via PAYT. Council sets pricing and charges for the service (each household will receive a 120-litre wheelie bin).
Option 4: Council, through a private contractor, provides a fortnightly wheelie bin collection with several different bin size options, i.e. 80 litres, 120 litres or 240 litres. Council sets a rate for each bin size and charges via targeted rates (each household will receive a 120-litre wheelie bin unless they opt for a different size).
The estimated costs for the new options proposed are currently undergoing financial review.
Council will make a final decision at the full council meeting on 26 June 2024. The option adopted will be implemented from July 2025 onwards.
Rubbish collection services in Zone 1 are currently provided via a private commercial operation, managed and operated by Smart Environmental Ltd.
The services are provided using the PAYT model, with either 60-litre plastic rubbish bags or a private wheelie bin with refuse collected on a periodic basis. Official refuse bags are currently sold for $9.10 each, including GST.
The current contract for waste management services with Smart Environmental Limited has been extended until June 30, 2025.
Last year, consultation from 7 August to 8 September 2023 proposed the four options below:
A shift from using 60-litre rubbish bags to having a 120-litre wheelie bin provided by Council.
Mandatory rubbish and recycling collection.
Changing from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collection.
Paying for rubbish and recycling collection through rates (rather than buying rubbish bags) i.e. a targeted universal rate charge.
Written and oral submissions highlighted a range of views from the community including some supporting a shift to collection of rubbish in wheelie bins, concerns about a shift away from the current ‘pay as you throw’ approach, concerns about making rubbish collection mandatory and specific comments regarding Council delivering rubbish collection through a third party. Overall, 73% of submitters were opposed to the proposal.
Council to consider next steps for Zone 1 rubbish collection
Further consultation could be on the way to help set the direction for any changes to the rubbish collection service for Zone 1 households.
Buller District councillors will consider next steps at their final meeting for the year on 13 December.
Consultation was conducted in August and September on a proposed change of service for Zone 1 households from 2025 onwards. The consultation proposed a change from the current ‘Pay As You Throw’ (PAYT) weekly service using rubbish bags to a fortnightly, rates funded 120 litre wheelie bin collection service.
There was a high level of community engagement and aContinue reading
Further consultation could be on the way to help set the direction for any changes to the rubbish collection service for Zone 1 households.
Buller District councillors will consider next steps at their final meeting for the year on 13 December.
Consultation was conducted in August and September on a proposed change of service for Zone 1 households from 2025 onwards. The consultation proposed a change from the current ‘Pay As You Throw’ (PAYT) weekly service using rubbish bags to a fortnightly, rates funded 120 litre wheelie bin collection service.
There was a high level of community engagement and a range of views submitted including support for changing to wheelie bins and concerns about mandatory rates collection.
Following the consultation process, and the subsequent hearings and deliberations, staff have examined a range of options and scenarios to move forward.
Three options have been recommended, all of which involve a switch from bags to bins.
The first option is a PAYT model using a private contractor similar to the current arrangement.
The second option is a fortnightly PAYT 120 litre bin service to be operated by Council.
The third option, also operated by Council, includes a choice of bin sizes (i.e. 80 litres, 120 litres or 240 litres) to be collected fortnightly and charged via rates.
Councillors will also consider three scenarios on how to proceed with the process and next steps, either with or without further consultation. The staff recommendation is to reconsult with the community based on estimated costs for each option.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services, Mike Duff says: “The key message from the community is that we need more options on the table. There was positive feedback for moving from bags to bins and strong support for staying with a user pays type model.”
“But the first question is do we stay with the current private contractor arrangement or do we bring it into Council operations. From there, the choices become clearer and is why re-consultation is recommended.”
The previous consultation resulted in a total 339 submissions (158 online and 181 written). Twenty-five people also provided oral submissions. The vast majority were opposed to the proposal as it then stood.
If Council proceeds with further consultation, it is likely to take place next year, potentially as part of the Long Term Plan process.
In the meantime, Council is considering extending the Smart Environmental contract until 1 July 2025 to allow sufficient time to review and consider next steps whilst still ensuring continuity of the rubbish collection service.
High level of engagement in Council’s solid waste consultation

The consultation window for Buller District Council’s consultation on proposed changes to solid waste management closed on Thursday 7 September at 4:30pm.
Residents were invited to have their say on proposes changes to rubbish collection services and how that is paid for in collection zone one, between 7 August and 4 September 2023, which was extended to Thursday 7 September.
Infrastructure delivery manager Eric de Boer says the consultation generated a lot of interest in the community.
“In total, we received around 330 submissions, with preliminary data showing around 170 coming through in written form and almost 160 online. ThisContinue reading
The consultation window for Buller District Council’s consultation on proposed changes to solid waste management closed on Thursday 7 September at 4:30pm.
Residents were invited to have their say on proposes changes to rubbish collection services and how that is paid for in collection zone one, between 7 August and 4 September 2023, which was extended to Thursday 7 September.
Infrastructure delivery manager Eric de Boer says the consultation generated a lot of interest in the community.
“In total, we received around 330 submissions, with preliminary data showing around 170 coming through in written form and almost 160 online. This is many more than we typically receive for a consultation and demonstrates the strength of feeling about the proposal in the community.
“Our initial analysis shows that more than 70 per cent of submitters oppose or strongly oppose the proposal.
“Further analysis of the data and comments provided by submitters will be handled by an external data research company to ensure the appropriate skills and expertise is applied. We have received a lot of written comments that we need to analyse to ensure objectivity and to extract all the useful themes and information from people’s suggestions.
“The results of this data analysis will be released at a later date. We thank everyone who took the time to submit their views on the proposal. Many people put a lot of thought into their comments, and we want to respect that by taking the time to collate and consider them fully,” says Mr de Boer.
In terms of next steps, a hearing date has been set down for 11 October. Council is in the process of contacting people who have indicated they wish to speak to their submissions in person. Around 30 people have signalled their intention to do so. Following that, councillors will workshop the consultation feedback and consider any changes as appropriate. They will also consider the terms of reference for a proposed Joint Committee to manage waste across the West Coast.
The topic will further be considered at a full Council meeting in October or November.