Chapter 1: Introduction to OWLS
This chapter provides a brief overview of the Online Waste Levy System (OWLS) and tells you how to set up new users, log in for the first time and set or change your password.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics:
Overview
Introduction
OWLS is the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) internet application that enables disposal facility operators to carry out waste disposal levy requirements online. It has been designed to minimise compliance costs disposal facility operators incur in order to help meet their obligations under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Waste Minimisation (Calculation and Payment of Waste Disposal Levy) Regulations 2009.
OWLS allows operators to register, send returns and apply for extensions of time, waivers, methodologies and refunds.
Registering on OWLS
Once you have registered with us, you will be given access to OWLS. This is a secure website. The only people who can access your information are people you authorise, and MfE staff or contractors authorised to administer the levy.
User access types
Disposal facilities have two types of user access – Data entry and Verifier.
The table below shows the functions for each user type.
| Functions that users can perform | Disposal facility users | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Data entry | Verifier | ||
| Contacts and users | View or change operator address details | View | Change |
| View or change disposal facility address details | View | Change | |
| View, add or change contact people details | View | Add / Change | |
| View or change signing authorities | View | Change end date | |
| Returns | View returns summary | View | View |
| Submit or verify new return | Submit | Submit / Verify | |
| View or change a verified return | View | Change | |
| Submit an amendment | No access | Submit / Verify | |
| View and download statements | View / Download | View / Download | |
| Applications and methodologies | View applications summary | View | View |
| Add new applications | No access | Add | |
| Change a pending application | No access | Change | |
| View methodologies | View | View | |
Add a new user to OWLS
When to use
Use these steps when you require a login for OWLS, or want to create a login for someone else.
Step |
Action |
|---|---|
1 |
Contact MfE by calling 0800 WDLEVY (0800 935 389) and tell them that you want to add a new user to OWLS. |
2 |
Complete the form, ensuring you acquire the relevant signatures. |
3 |
Post the completed form to the MfE PO Box number listed on the form. |
What happens next?
MfE will set up the new user and email you the login details. Once you receive this email, you can set your password.
Note: If the Signing Authorities form is incomplete, MfE will contact you to obtain the additional information.
Set or change your password
When to use
Use these steps to set, change or reset your password if you:
-
need to log in for the first time
-
have locked your account by entering your password incorrectly three times
-
have forgotten your password.
Roles
-
Data entry user
-
Verifier
| Step | Action | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Determine whether you need to request a change.
|
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| 2 |
Open the email and click on the link to the OWLS site. Result: The Validation screen displays the challenge questions you answered on the registration form.
|
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| 3 |
Answer the challenge questions. Ensure you use the same words and spelling as you did on the registration form. Note: The answers are not case sensitive. |
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| 4 |
Click the Next button. Result: The Validation Username and Password screen displays.
|
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| 5 |
Complete the following fields in the Validation section.
|
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| 6 | Click Activate. |
What happens next?
You can now log in to OWLS.
Log in to OWLS
When to use
Use these steps to log in to OWLS.
Note: If you are logging in for the first time, or have forgotten your password, see the Set or change your password steps.
Roles
-
Data entry user
-
Verifier
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Open your browser, and go to the website www.wastelevy.govt.nz Result: The Home page displays. You can click:
 |
| 2 |
Type your Username and Password in the relevant fields.
|
| 3 |
Click Login. Result: Your disposal facility home page displays. |
What happens next?
You can use the OWLS functions for your disposal facility as required.
Moving around OWLS
Home page
When you first log on to OWLS you are presented with your disposal facility home page. From here you can access all of the functions available to you.
Your home page tells you:
- when your next invoice is due for payment
- if you have any overdue invoices
- which returns have not been received
- a summary of your previous tonnage.
Field types and validation
There are four field types used in OWLS. To move from one field to the next, you can either use your mouse, or press the Tab key on your keyboard.
 |
Free text field – users can edit and update these fields |
 |
Drop-down list – users can select options from the list |
 |
System-populated field – users cannot edit these fields. |
 |
Check box – users can either select or de-select the box |
Some fields have built in validation. If your entry is incorrect or is not valid for the field (eg, no @ in an email address, or a required field has been left blank), a message prompting you to update the field displays next to the field name.
Help
An online help function is available from every screen within OWLS.
Click the 
icon in the top-right corner to open the specific help page for the screen.
