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Territorial authorities FAQs

How is our share of the levy money calculated?

Under section 31 of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (the Act), territorial authorities will receive a share of levy money. The Secretary must pay each territorial authority a share of the total levy money collected in respect of a financial year.

A territorial authority’s share is calculated using the following formula:

territorial authority’s share
=
(levy collected − levy refunded)
×		 district’s population
2
 total population

where:

  • levy collected is the total levy money collected in respect of the financial year
  • levy refunded  is the total levy money refunded in respect of the financial year in accordance with regulations made under section 41(1)(k)

district’s population is:

  1. the population of the district of the territorial authority as shown by the census of population published most recently before the start of the financial year; or
  2. if the district was constituted, or its boundaries were altered, after that census was published, the population of the district assessed by the Government Statistician as at the date of the district’s constitution or boundary alteration
    total population is the total of all districts’ populations.

(3) The territorial authority’s share must be paid to the territorial authority in the prescribed manner and at the prescribed times.

(Subject to section 33 of the Act)

When will payments begin?

TAs will receive quarterly payments starting from 20 January 2010.

How much money will my council receive?

The amount of levy money TA’s will get depends on the amount collected. At this stage the Ministry does not have enough baseline data to make an accurate estimate.

Why is the Minister able to direct territorial authorities to modify their waste management plans?

Territorial authorities are responsible for administering waste management and minimisation within their area. The Minister for the Environment has identified a need for greater consistency across New Zealand in how this is done. Giving the Minister the power to direct territorial authorities to modify their waste management plans will improve consistency, encourage best practice and ensure that revenue from the collection of the waste levy is used to assist council performance in waste minimisation.

Are cleanfills subject to the levy?

Cleanfills are waste disposal sites where wastes that have no adverse effect on people and the environment (such as brick, soil, rock and concrete) are buried.

A compliant cleanfill is not currently subject to the levy, as it does not meet the definition of a liable ‘disposal facility’ under the Act. However, in the future the levy could be extended to also apply to cleanfills.

If you have a query, it is likely to also be relevant to other councils around New Zealand. Please send us your questions by emailing waste.ta@mfe.govt.nz.

Last updated: 22 September 2009