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1398 days ago

Bin tags: Scrapping pay-as-you-throw collection 'unfair', low-waste residents say

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Auckland Council’s proposal to scrap bin tags in favour of rates-funded rubbish collections has been labelled “unfair” by residents who produce very little waste.

West Auckland, North Shore and Papakura residents have been on a pay-as-you-throw system for their kerbside rubbish collection since 2017-2018.

This system was to be implemented across the region, however, Auckland Council now believes the price of bin tags will need to be much higher to incentivise residents to reduce their waste.

So, it is proposing to move the entire region to a rates-funded collection service, the price of which is determined by what size bins residents use.

The council estimates that with a standard 120 litre rubbish bin, this will cost households $314 per year, which covers rubbish, recycling and inorganic collection. In 2023, the council will also roll out a food scraps collection service, which is not optional and will bring the rate up to $375.

Birkdale residents Jacqui and Alan Vowles​ put their bin out about once a month. On the rates-funded model, this would cost them around $31.25 per collection, rather than the around $51 per year they currently spend on bin tags.

Jacqui Vowles said this was an exorbitant amount compared to the cost of a bin tag.

“I don’t think it’s fair at all.”

Click 'read more' for the full story on Stuff.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 42.9% Yes
    42.9% Complete
  • 31% Maybe?
    31% Complete
  • 26.1% No
    26.1% Complete
394 votes
22 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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2 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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