Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

A single male Oriental fruit fly was found on 3 January in a surveillance trap in a suburban back yard in the Papatoetoe/Māngere area. An operation, led by Biosecurity New Zealand which is part of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), is now underway in response to the discovery of the fruit fly, and restrictions are in place.

For the most up to date information on this response, visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website.

This area is divided into two zones, A and B, which have different restrictions. To check if you are in the controlled area and which zone applies to you visit Biosecurity New Zealand ‘s website.

These restrictions mean some changes to rubbish (particularly food scraps) collections in the area.

Auckland Council waste collections in Zone A

• There will be no food scraps collections (the small 23L bin) in this area until further notice.
• Follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions to dispose of your fruit and vegetable waste.
• All other food waste e.g. meat, cooked meal scraps, dairy products, rice and pasta etc, can go into your rubbish bin.
• Rubbish and recycling collections will continue as usual.
• Do not put food waste into your recycling bins.

Zone A general restrictions (source: Biosecurity New Zealand)

• No whole fruit and vegetables (other than leafy or soil free root vegetables and cooked, processed, preserved, dried, frozen and canned fruit) can be moved from Zone A of the controlled area.
• Compost and green waste from gardens also cannot be moved out of this zone.
• Do not compost fruit and vegetables.
• Biosecurity New Zealand is providing all households in Zone A with bins for fruit and vegetable waste. Please follow all Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions for disposal of fruit and vegetable waste.

Auckland Council waste collections in Zone B

• Rubbish, recycling and food scraps collections continue as normal however all homegrown produce waste and garden waste needs to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.

Zone B general restrictions (source: Biosecurity New Zealand)

• No fruit and vegetables grown in Zone B can be moved out of the controlled area.
• You can move commercially purchased fruit and vegetables (e.g. fruit and vegetables brought at the supermarket) out of the area.
• Home grown produce waste and garden waste needs to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.
• Biosecurity NZ is placing bins throughout Zone B for collection of home grown produce and garden waste.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council, SkyCity and Vector are proud to bring together this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Auckland’s city centre as Aotearoa New Zealand leads the global welcoming in of 2025. 

Highlights will include a five-minute fireworks display at midnight from the Sky Tower, and those at the Viaduct and multiple other vantage points will see a stunning Vector Lights show across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Leading up to midnight, the harbour bridge will turn ‘teal’ to reflect the region’s maunga, landscape and moana, and display a series of spirals, sail shapes and the letters M and W acknowledging the mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Large crowds are expected to gather into the evening, so please allow time for travel and plan well ahead using public transport, shared rides and taxis. Traffic access will be limited as some inner-city streets will be closed to vehicles later in the evening, allowing pedestrians to move about safely throughout New Year’s Eve.

Travel tips:

• Please be patient when approaching and leaving the city as traffic delays are likely.

• The southbound clip-on lanes (lanes 1 & 2) of the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed on New Year’s Eve for essential resurfacing.

• Plan your trip and arrange a safe ride home before heading out for New Year’s Eve festivities – trains will not be running but replacement bus services will be available.

• On New Year’s Eve, buses and ferries will operate on a Saturday timetable, with additional buses running after midnight. Use the Auckland Transport mobile app or Journey Planner for travel options.

• The last ferry departures will be from downtown to Devonport/Matiatia at 12:15am, Devonport to downtown at 12:30am, and Matiatia to downtown at 1am.

• Contactless payment options will be available to catch a bus or ferry home.

• Check AT’s Christmas and New Year timetables for more information about transport and travel on New Year’s Eve.

• Lime and Flamingo scooters will not be running in the central city from 10pm to 3am, to ensure a safe zone for pedestrians.

• Free secure bicycle parking will be available at Queens Wharf on New Years Eve between 5pm and 1am.

Important reminders:

• Vector Lights viewing is recommended from the eastern side of the bridge as routine NZTA maintenance work will cause some lighting outages on the western side. Visit vector.co.nz/lights for suggestions on where to watch the show.

• Use the extra rubbish bins and portable toilets provided to keep the city centre clean.

• Enjoy yourself responsibly – outside bars and restaurants, the streets are alcohol-free.

• Security guards and safety wardens will support police throughout New Year’s Eve to ensure celebrations run smoothly.

• Medical support and first aid will be onsite at Te Komititanga Square, Aotea Square, at 205 Queen Steet’s ANZ, and Wynyard Quarter’s Karanga Plaza.

• Stay connected –take a fully charged phone to capture the countdown!

Aucklanders outside the city centre can enjoy the midnight show from afar –there will be great views of the fireworks and Vector Lights at many of the city’s maunga including:

A reminder to please keep to the paths on the maunga, don’t use fireworks, and remember to take all rubbish home.

For all those who wish to see the action from the comfort of home, TVNZ will be streaming the countdown and midnight show online. 

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Read more detail on the midnight countdown here: ‘Seconds to Midnight’ leads New Year’s Eve countdown – OurAuckland

Happy New Year from everyone at Auckland Council!

Auckland Transport’s central city map showing New Year’s Eve street closures.

Source: Auckland Council

The Auckland Future Fund has confirmed the sale of Auckland Council’s remaining shares in Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL).

The sale, which was planned as part of the council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034, saw the council’s 9.71 per cent holding of AIAL shares sold at a price of at least $8.08 per share. This exceeds the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 projection, which was for $7.89 after transaction costs.

The sale will return at least $1.31 billion for the Auckland Future Fund.

Today’s share sale for the Auckland Future Fund, which is a council-controlled organisation, is part of the council’s financial strategy to protect and strengthen Auckland’s physical and financial resilience. Auckland Future Fund Chair Chris Swasbrook says the sale will provide long-term benefits for the council, and the residents and ratepayers of Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“The airport share sale enables the Auckland Future Fund to get underway with investing on behalf of Aucklanders and contributing funds to support council services,” says Mr Swasbrook.

“The transaction received multiple bids from global brokers and we are extremely pleased in the final outcome delivered by UBS. The Auckland Future Fund is now in a fantastic position for its next stage of investment.”

The funds realised from the sale of Auckland Council’s remaining AIAL shares will be invested by the Auckland Future Fund. The fund operates under the high-level direction of Auckland Council but through an independent structure, where the trustee’s board makes all key decisions.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said today’s shares sale shows the council is listening to its ratepayers and delivering on its promises.

“Today’s sale is a positive for Auckland. We are getting on with delivering a future fund that will support Auckland in the long-term. The shares sale means the council is more resilient to shocks that impact Auckland and also helps reduce the rates burden for our communities.”

Liaison councillor Christine Fletcher said the sale of the airport shares is a positive milestone for the Auckland Future Fund.

“The sale of the shares is a launchpad for the Auckland Future Fund and enables it to get on and work for Aucklanders and our ratepayers. The board has moved quickly and decisively to secure a sale that is extremely positive. It’s pleasing to see the future fund progressing as planned on behalf of Aucklanders.”

Mr Swasbrook says that by diversifying Auckland Council’s major investments, the Auckland Future Fund that is now in place will help protect the Auckland region, but also provide long-term capital growth and cash distributions.

“This will help fund council services that benefit current and future Aucklanders, and reduce reliance on rates increases to fund Auckland services and infrastructure,” he says.

The Auckland Future Fund is estimated to provide the council with around an additional $40 million of cash returns per year from 2025/2026, while reducing its reliance on rates increases.

The Auckland Future Fund was independently advised on this sale by PwC and Simpson Grierson. The final price will be confirmed at settlement on Friday.

For more information on the Auckland Future Fund, visit aucklandfuturefund.co.nz

Frequently asked questions

What is the Auckland Future Fund?
The Auckland Future Fund is an investment for current and future Aucklanders and is designed to enhance the Auckland region’s physical and financial resilience.

By diversifying Auckland Council’s major investments, the Auckland Future Fund is part of a financial strategy to better protect and strengthen Auckland in times of need.

How does the fund work?
The fund sees the council moving from one key investment to many, adding diversity by investing across different entities, sectors and locations.

The fund has also been established to deliver revenue to help fund services and reduce reliance on rates. It is estimated it will provide an additional $40 million per year to council, from 2025/2026.

The Auckland Future Fund was introduced as part of Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034. It launched in September 2024. The intent is for the fund to create long-term benefits for the Auckland region and protect the value of intergenerational financial investments.

How is the fund set-up?
As a council-controlled organisation, the Auckland Future Fund operates under the high-level direction of Auckland Council but through an independent structure, where the trustee’s board makes all key decisions.

The board are guided by a clear set of investment objectives and policies set by Auckland Council. Established as a trust, there are strict protections over the fund’s assets. In particular, the protections require the fund to maintain the real value of its capital over the long term. Further protection is also being sought via the introduction of a local bill.

How will the investments work?
The fund will initially be capitalised with the council’s remaining Auckland International Airport shares. The council is assuming average annual returns of 7.24% per annum from the fund over the long term, after management costs. Of the projected return, 5.24% will be returned to the council as an annual cash distribution, with the remainder retained to protect the real value of the fund over time. The council may decide to transfer other investments into the fund at a later date.

How did the sale work?
The sale was conducted through the Auckland Future Fund Trustee and its independent advisors PwC and Simpson Grierson, inviting various global brokers to bid for the AIAL stake.

 

For further frequently asked questions, visit the Auckland Future Fund website aucklandfuturefund.co.nz.

Source: Auckland Council

AT storm recovery works contractors are taking a two week summer break over the holiday period. The last day of work will be Friday 20 December 2024, returning Monday 6 January 2025.

The following sites currently under construction are planned to be completed before the holidays (pending construction progress and weather):

• South

• North Urban

• North Rural

  • Pinchgut Road, Kaukapakapa

  • Pine Valley Rd Culvert, Dairy Flat

  • Leigh Road, Leigh

  • Smyth Road, Warkworth.

• Central

  • Basset Road, Remuera.

• West

The following sites under construction where work is continuing, will be made safe during the summer shutdown period:

• North Urban

  • Duck Creek Road, Silverdale – the barriers are planned to be removed and the road opened with shoulder closures on both sides.

  • Hibiscus Coast Highway, Hatfields Beach – the barriers are planned to be removed and the road opened with shoulder closure and “uneven surface” signs.

  • John Brian Drive #2, Red Vale – the road is planned to be opened and temporary fall protection installed with a shoulder closure.

• North Rural

  • Ahuroa Rd – light stop/go set up will remain in place.

  • Takatu Road, Tāwharanui Peninsula – the road will be reopened to two lanes.

All sites will be made safe and daily site checks will be done by Traffic Management teams.

The following roads will remain closed:

• North Rural

  • Red Hill Road, Te Ārai.

• West

  • Kay Road, Waitākere

  • Paturoa Road 17, Titirangi

  • Scenic Drive, Waiatarua, West Coast Road to Arataki Visitors Centre.

• South

For further information visit AT’s storm recovery page.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Transport and Fulton Hogan have completed the repair of an under slip and wash-out at the end of Masterton Road near the Rothesay Beach Reserve in time for the summer holidays.

Before works began, Vector installed a temporary overhead power supply from Rothesay Bay Road to the Rothesay Bay toilet block to keep the construction area free from electrical hazards. Permanent power supply has now been reinstated.

“We built a 27-metre long timber retaining wall and riprap (rock buttress) near the footpath and the edge of the stream to prevent further erosion of the bank,” says AT Project Manager, Ian Bielawa.

“This was especially challenging as the work required significant environmental controls, the temporary relocation of a power line, and the contractor needed to work with soft ground conditions and around spring tides.

“Additional drainage facilities were added, finishing works were made to the road and footpath pavement,” he said.

Masterton Road was closed at the cul-de-sac end throughout the construction period, however access for neighbouring properties was maintained along with pedestrian access to the beach from the northern side of the road.

Watch aerial footage taken during works in September.

Learn more about AT storm repair works on the AT website.

Source: Auckland Council

Two projects have been added to Manurewa Local Board’s Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan priority projects list. 

The first is the development of a multi-purpose community facility for WhatHope and the second the installation of an electronic court access system for Manurewa Table Tennis Club.

Board chair Matt Winiata says $44,050 will be allocated to WhatHope to conduct a site analysis and feasibility study, and $10, 950 to the table tennis club.

“Our Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan was adopted in 2022 to provide strategic guidance on the local sporting facilities,” Winiata says.

“It outlines the current network across Manurewa, regardless of who owns the facilities, to help identify future challenges and needs.”

About 50 projects have been ranked to offer an evaluation of local needs, with inclusion on the list allowing the board to support projects through grant funding. The list includes 10 school-based, 13 community and 21 council projects.

Winiata says the funding for WhatHope, which has been searching for a suitable youth community facility for years, will allow it to assess a site is has identified.

“WhatHope has delivered informal events for youth that were also open to the community.

“It wants to build a social space on a sports park that will complement existing uses. The location would provide opportunities for any facility user to get active while also allowing the group to deliver youth engagement initiatives.”

He says the table tennis club carried out more than $39,000 worth of improvements and has been able to leverage a further $16,000 of support through a gaming trust.

“The project includes security grilles and new doors. There will also be technology to allow the club to open access to its courts online.

“Indoor courts are in demand with a shortfall across the city and our funding will allow the club to complete alarm installation, switchboard upgrades, light controls and online booking.”

Manurewa Table Tennis, near Homai station, works with Disability Sport Auckland and Table Tennis NZ, and produced the first para table tennis player in 48 years, Matthew Britz competing at the Paris Paralympics.

Manurewa based charitable trust WhatHope focusses on holistic wellness outcomes for local rangatahi by providing programmes at Te Matariki and Manurewa High School.

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Source: Auckland Council

Over the past year, Auckland Council has completed a review of how we are tracking toward making our city accessible for everyone.

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disability (3 December), co-chair of the Disability Advisory Panel Barry de Geest reflects on the progress made and explains how this has helped set a new benchmark in Tāmaki Makaurau.

“For disability panel members, this year has been a fantastic year because we can see that the advice we’ve provided is really making a difference in our communities,” Mr de Geest says.

“Council staff and key decision-makers, including Mayor Wayne Brown, are keen to engage and hear our suggestions and to keep working with us to find solutions. We feel there is more recognition that input from the panel is valued in the early stages of planning projects, and this is helping to shape better outcomes.”

The council’s policy team has improved the way progress is monitored on actions prioritised in the Disability Operational Action Plan, so that regular updates can be given to the Disability Advisory Panel. This plan aligns with the Auckland Plan 2050 and Ngā Hapori Momoho Thriving Communities Strategy 2022-2032  to ensure everyone in Auckland can participate and feel that they belong, especially those facing the greatest barriers.

In the council’s most recent update to the advisory panel in September, a total of 29 projects have been rolled out to improve accessibility across the region and another 35 are ongoing. 

They include measures to remove language barriers, improve communications, and update design guidelines to improve accessibility in the private sector.

Councillor Julie Fairey, chief liaison officer for the panel, says the advice provided by panel members this year has been invaluable for making Auckland safer and more accessible.

Auckland Transport has introduced multiple measures this year to make ferries more accessible.

“At any one time around a quarter of New Zealanders identify as being disabled, with many experiencing disability in an ongoing way or at specific points throughout their lives. It’s important we work together to remove barriers so that everyone can fully participate in their community” Cr Fairey says.

Auckland Transport has also worked closely with the Disability Advisory Panel to make considerable progress this year on the Auckland Transport Accessibility Action Plan, enhancing the city’s transport system with accessibility improvements.

This includes measures to make ferries more user-friendly, like reducing the height of door sills so wheelchairs and prams can easily move around, installing extra handrails, and including New Zealand Sign Language in on-board safety videos.

Visual service updates have started at Waitematā /Britomart train station featuring New Zealand Sign Language, along with English and reo Māori scripting, resulting in the first public announcements in all three languages.

For the first time in New Zealand, public service announcements have been made using New Zealand Sign Language, English scripting and reo Māori at Waitematā /Britomart train station.

Audio announcements including reo Māori have been rolled out on 1,228 buses around Tāmaki Makaurau. New ramps and ground markings that improve accessibility are ongoing. Drivers and ferry operators have received additional training this year to help them provide support to passengers with low vision. 

Mr de Geest says while these changes will be a huge positive for many passengers with disabilities, they will also ensure an enhanced travel journey for all commuters – as accessibility improvements result in wider community benefits. 

“These measures are certainly not insignificant. We see an overall improved experience for so many others who previously struggled to take part – like the elderly, or young children, and carers or family members,” he says. 

The Disability Advisory Panel members remain committed to sharing their knowledge and lived experiences so that further improvements can be delivered by the council and wider council group, Mr de Geest says.

“As people living with disabilities, we don’t just see the problem – we are absolutely committed to try and come up with solutions,” he says.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee has backed plans for public consultation on updates to the region’s dog rules. The Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw is reviewed every few years to check it still meets the needs of Aucklanders.

Chair of the committee, Councillor Josephine Bartley, says testing the proposed changes with Aucklanders is a key part of the policy review process.

“Dogs can be a great part of life in Auckland. They can become our best friends, and we have lots of

fantastic places to get our and enjoy with our dogs in Tāmaki Makaurau.

“The aim of this update is to help keep pooches a positive part of our lives. We want to maintain a mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces, so there are public spaces that everyone can enjoy, and to help keep Aucklanders, our environment and wildlife safe too.

“We know many Aucklanders love their dogs, so updating this policy is not something we are doing lightly. The changes being proposed have been shaped by robust data and feedback. They also reflect the different ways that some public places are being used now, compared to when the policy was last reviewed in 2019. For example, some areas are no longer suitable for dogs, as there are now endangered birds nesting there, kauri growing, or they’re well-used by families.

“Now we need to test the proposed changes with communities. Everyone will have a chance to have their say on this policy update,” she says.

Next, Auckland’s mayor and councillors will be asked to decide when the public consultation will take place.

Evidence-backed proposals

Reviewing evidence is the first step when updating policies or bylaws. It shows where the policy works well, and where it could be improved.

Preliminary feedback from a public survey in March 2024 shows the common issues for Aucklanders are owners not picking up after their dog, packs of dogs taking up pathways, and dogs wandering off-leash in an on-leash area.

51 per cent of respondents had experienced problems when encountering four or more dogs being walked at once – the higher the number of dogs being walked, the higher this percentage was.

An analysis of complaints data found that most dog-related complaints were about dog access rules not being followed, and over one third were to do with situations where multiple dogs were being walked together.

Council staff also analysed statistics from animal management service requests, multiple dog ownership licences, registrations, and the animal management annual report. They also reviewed Auckland data from the National Survey of Dog Attacks, dog control statistics and Accident Compensation Corporation’s dog related claims

From April-May 2024, staff interviewed groups including Auckland SPCA, commercial dog walkers, Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming, and Friends of Regional Parks.

“Council staff have carried out a thorough review of the data and this has informed the proposed changes to the Dog Policy. This level of due diligence is vital when recommending changes to policies and bylaws, as these are the rules we will all live by if adopted.

“Now we want Aucklanders to have their say on these proposals,” says Cr Bartley.  

You can read the review findings here.

What are the proposed changes?

The proposed changes to the policy and bylaw include:

• Updating where dogs can and cannot go at 14 of Auckland’s regional parks.
• Setting limits on the number of dogs that can be walked at once.
• Making the policy and bylaw easier to understand by clarifying some of the existing rules, such as requirements to neuter dogs classified as menacing, including those that have been relocated from outside Auckland.

Proposed changes to where dogs can and cannot go at some local parks and beaches are also being considered by local boards. Any changes will be included in the public consultation on the policy and bylaw.

What happens next?

Auckland’s mayor and councillors will now be asked to set a date in 2025 for public consultation on the proposals. 

Keep an eye on OurAuckland for more information.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is reviewing some of the region’s regulatory policies and bylaws. The council does this every few years to make sure that local rules keep working for local people.

Louise Mason, General Manager of Policy at Auckland Council, explains that policies and bylaws are rules that apply to a particular region. 

“We have our own policies and bylaws in Tāmaki Makaurau. They’re designed to respond to local issues and needs.  

“The council creates, monitors and updates them. As part of this process, Aucklanders get a chance to have a say on proposed changes to these ‘rules’.  

“Each and every change recommended is backed by significant evidence and data,” she says. 

Two important policies and bylaws you can have your say on in 2025 relate to dogs, and council cemeteries and crematoria. Read on for a overview of what they cover.

Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw

Many Aucklanders love their dogs, and they are often a very positive part of life in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Unfortunately, our furry friends are not always without issue. The most recent animal management annual report found that our staff responded to 37,558 requests for service between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. 

A big portion of the data represents dogs that have been reported roaming alone without their owner. It also shows a 14 per cent increase in dog attacks on people and 19 per cent increase in dog attacks on other animals compared to the previous year’s report.

Auckland Council’s policy aims to address these problems by encouraging responsible dog ownership, setting out where dogs can be taken in public, and applying measures to minimise problems, including a bylaw. 

We recently reviewed the Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw and found its approach is effective, but that improvements could be made.  

The proposed changes include a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at once, updates to where you can take your dog on and off-leash at some parks and beaches, and changes to make the policy and bylaw easier to understand.  

There are many off-leash areas in Auckland, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is a dog person, and not everywhere is suitable to take a dog. This review aims to maintain a balanced mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau so there are public places for everyone to enjoy. Dog rules also help to protect wildlife, our natural environment including kauri and stream banks, and our cultural heritage. 

This policy has been to the Regulatory and Safety Committe. It will now go to the council’s Governing Body, who will be asked to decide on a date for public consultation in 2025.

Council Cemetery and Crematoria Bylaw 

Auckland Council oversees more than 50 cemeteries in Auckland, including Manukau Memorial Gardens, North Shore Memorial Park and Waikumete Cemetery. 

There are rules to keep our cemeteries and crematoria safe, and which help to meet Aucklanders’ social, cultural and physical needs. They’re currently set out in a bylaw, a code of practice made under the bylaw, and operational guidance.  

Council staff have reviewed the rules in the bylaw and code and have found they’re working well and generally don’t need to change.  

However, we did find that some rules in the code are outdated and duplicated. We plan to move most rules that are currently covered in the code of practice to the bylaw. Everything else will be covered in operational guidance.  

This will not impact the day-to-day service in our cemeteries and crematoria – we recommend that the rules stay much the same as they are now.  

Even though this will be more of an administrative change, you will still be able to comment on these proposals in early 2025 on the council’s Have Your Say website.

How can you have your say? 

The council consults with the public every time a change is made to our regulatory policies and bylaws, so Aucklanders can have a say on the rules in their area.  

Consultation on proposed changes to these policies and bylaws will open in the new year (2025).  

Source: Auckland Council

Celebrate a waste-free festive season this summer with these top tips to protect the environment and keep Auckland beautiful.

Bin it right

The easiest tip for a Zero Waste festive season is to make good use of your kerbside recycling and food scraps bins.

Remember, with the new recycling standards introduced this year, to only recycle grocery packaging containers made from plastic with the numbers 1, 2, 5 (check the package for the number), glass and metal, as well as flattened cardboard and paper. It helps a lot if you empty and rinse your containers before placing them loose into your recycling bin. No plastic bags and no lids please, as they get caught in the sorting machinery.

When you use your food scraps bin and avoid throwing the scraps in the rubbish, you’re making sure they are transformed for good. Instead of going to landfill where they emit harmful greenhouse gases of methane and carbon dioxide, your food scraps are turned into renewable energy and liquid fertiliser.

So far, 30,000 tonnes from Auckland’s food scraps bins have helped to produce even more kai by farmers and growers. Ka rawe!

(Bonus tip: don’t miss a collection – check changes to your kerbside collections day during the holidays at Find your rubbish, recycling, and food scraps collection day (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz).

Chill out don’t throw out

More food is thrown out during the festive season than any other time because people tend to over-cater during the holidays. To help you avoid wasting good food, Love Food Hate Waste is running the Chill Out campaign from 4 November to 30 November. They will be sharing a huge range of tips and advice that will save you food and money. Find out more on their website or follow them on their socials.

Start a Zero Waste hobby

Start a worm farm or give composting a go – The Compost Collective has workshops, how-to-videos and resources to get you started, and advice on the right composting method that works for your lifestyle. And for anything that you may not be able to compost, like bones or shellfish, there’s your friendly food scraps bin.

Visit your local community recycling centre

Whether you’re looking for unique upcycled holiday gifts or have a creative holiday project, you are bound to find something special at your local community recycling centre.

If your holiday project is a clear out, then you may be able drop off items at your local centre. You can also visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whereitgoes for options of where to take almost anything. The search tool provides you with places where you can take your items to be reused, repurposed, recycled or, if necessary, disposed of.

Pack in, pack out    

When you’re out and about enjoying summer in our wonderful regional parks, beaches, and the Hauraki Gulf Islands, remember to take your own reusable cups, plates and cutlery and bring any waste home so you can sort it correctly into your kerbside bins.

For even more ideas, check out practical tips for a waste-less Christmas.

Together, we can enjoy our summer holidays in beautiful Tāmaki Makaurau and stay on track for Zero Waste by 2040.