Central Hawke's Bay Working Towards A Sustainable Future

Thursday 5 July 2018 

The Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (SWMMP) was formally adopted at a recent Council meeting. The SWMMP sets the direction for the management and reduction of solid waste, which is an activity considered in the 2018 -2028 Long Term Plan.

Council were encouraged by the community’s response to the consultation phase of the SWMMP with a total of 11 submissions received and 3 submitters asking to speak to their submission. 

 From the submissions, it was clear that there is already great work occurring in our district and there is scope for Council to work collaboratively with existing groups to develop a stronger working partnership for the benefit of our District. 

The Permaculture Group, The Food Basket, Boomarang Bags and Sustainable Ewe are positively contributing towards a more sustainable district, promoting a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable Ewe is a group that encourages gardening, composting, recycling, and swapping of items generally designated for the landfill. 

Neen Kennedy, local resident and founder of the Sustainable Ewe facebook group spoke about the increased need to promote and educate our communities about sustainability. “We need to focus more on waste minimisation rather than waste management. Sustainable ideas need to be made available to all residents in CHB. Incentives such as worm farming, Bokashi or composting help promote a sustainable lifestyle,” says Neen.

“The adoption of the SWMMP is a significant milestone and marks the first steps towards a more sustainable Central Hawke’s Bay. Work will now begin on implementing activities outlined in the Plan including the establishment of a fund made available to the community for relevant initiatives,” says Josh Lloyd, Group Manager – Community Development and Infrastructure. 

Photo (L-R): Harry Robinson, Council’s Utilities Engineer with Paula Taylor, Neen Kennedy and Kris Taylor who submitted to the SWMMP. Featured Bokashi composting bucket.

With the school holidays fast approaching, children are encouraged to participate in the Library school holiday programme.  The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Libraries will be running Beeswax wraps sessions, as part of its school holiday programme for children aged seven and over.   Delivered by Sustainable Ewe on Tuesday 17 July at 2.00pm at the Waipawa Library and on Wednesday 18^th July at 10.30am at the Waipukurau Library. Registrations are essential and can be made by contacting Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Libraries on Facebook, by phone or at Waipawa or Waipukurau. 

Later this year, will see the advocacy of new waste minimisation initiatives including Bokashi as Council takes proactive steps to support the community towards a sustainable future.

Ends

Authorised by Chief Executive: Monique Davidson 

Media contact
Monique Davidson, Chief Executive |P 06 857 8060 M 027 601 1711
Doug Tate, GM Customer & Community Partnerships |P 06 857 8060 M 027 422 9977

18 July 2018

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