Auckland City Council Media release

7 July 2009

Auckland Transition Agency confirms Waiheke waste management contract

Auckland City Council is to proceed in rolling out a new waste management scheme on Waiheke Island.

The Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) has confirmed a council decision to award the Waiheke contract to Transpacific Industries Group NZ Ltd (TPI). The ATA, under legislation, is required to review all council decisions and contract awards that extend beyond June 2011 prior to the formation of the super city.

TPI won the council’s tender process and was awarded the contract last month subject to ATA approval. The 10-year $21.44 million contract covers the island’s rubbish and recycling collections and the redevelopment of the transfer station.

The contract will save all Auckland city ratepayers at least $6million on the operationally budgeted sum over the 10 years

Following feedback from the Waiheke community, the new waste service includes a choice of using bags or bins like those used in Auckland city, retaining a weekly recycling collection, and a new transfer station to be developed on Ostend Road.

Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee, which recommended the new contract, acknowledged that Waiheke residents felt passionately about recycling on the island.

“However, we believe we have made a decision in the best interests of all Auckland city ratepayers,” he said. “The significant savings can be put to use across the city and help us reduce the rates burden.”

Mr Bhatnagar says the council and TPI are committed to working with Waiheke residents to roll out the service with minimal disruption and to support the island’s strong ethos towards recycling.

TPI has offered to address a community board meeting to talk through their plans and operations, and has conditionally offered positions to 10 former employees of the previous contractor, Clean Stream.

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