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Key challenges and issues

My council tends to work in silos - is it important to involve broader council functions in, and identifying skills needed for, waste management?

In the first generation of waste management plans and strategies there was little attempt to link and integrate waste management functions with other council functions.

The New Zealand Waste Strategy advocates (through targets) bringing in liquid and gaseous wastes as well as looking at waste from a council operations point of view, for example, waste at the library or swimming pool, etc. For more information, see the New Zealand Waste Strategy.

To maximise a 'whole of council' approach, you will be acknowledging the need for a broader skill set, and moving away from only involving the traditional engineering skill base. For example, you will need to take into account the operational aspects of the organisation and other types of waste, eg liquid and gaseous waste, a function that often falls to another council group to perform.

Using resource management planning principles

The waste management planning process would benefit from considering many principles associated with the public policy cycle, resource management planning and plan writing and consultative procedures.

The Quality Planning website contains a range of best-practice examples and guidance on the RMA planning process.

You can also see Drafting Issues, Objectives, Policies and Methods in Regional Policy Statements and District Plans on the Ministry for the Environment website.

Walk the talk

Your council can lead by example and walk the talk with waste management and minimisation.

Examples

North Shore City Council

North Shore City is leading by example and has a programme dedicated to waste minimisation of its own operations. Here are just some of the initiatives at North Shore City Council:

  • ongoing development of council internal recycling systems
  • trialling of a commercial vermicast unit
  • staff awards to encourage waste reduction and environmental requirements of suppliers
  • North Shore City Council has been recognised as an Energy Wise Council
  • actively spreading good practice in minimisation of environmental impacts by working with numerous businesses to encourage resource efficiency.

For more information, contact Nichol Slaven at North Shore City Council and visit the North Shore City Council website.

Last updated: 5 July 2007