National funding boost for Waikato-Bay of Plenty waste project

A joint Waikato-Bay of Plenty initiative to better plan how waste is prevented, resources are recovered and residual waste is managed has received significant support from a Ministry for the Environment (MfE) fund.

Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para – Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) is providing $303,274 in support of the ‘Cross-Regional Waste Strategy and Waste Infrastructure Plan Project’.

The funding enables a collaborative effort to co-design a unified approach to waste reduction – impacting community wellbeing and the transition to a circular, low-emissions economy. It includes development of a cross-regional waste strategy and a waste infrastructure plan.

The WMF funding represents 56 per cent of the project’s total cost, with the remaining funding provided by Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Councils. 

“The project aims to address gaps in existing waste systems and infrastructure in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions through coordinated planning and investment,” says Waikato Regional Council Waste Prevention Advisor, Valerie Bianchi.

“The infrastructure plan will map out the systems, facilities, and partnerships needed to support resource recovery, reuse, and circular economy solutions, as well as recycling and disposal, especially in rural and underserved communities.

“An important aspect of the project involves engagement with local government waste specialists, local iwi and hapū, large industry bodies, and waste-focused community organisations.”

About Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para - Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF)

The purpose of Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para – the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) is to boost New Zealand’s performance in waste minimisation. [VB1] The fund is primarily enabled through the waste disposal levy.   

There is considerable scope in New Zealand to reduce waste and increase the recovery of useful resources. Lifting our performance in recovering economic value from waste also provides environmental, social, and cultural benefits and reduces the risks of harm from waste. More information about the fund can be found on the Ministry for the Environment website (https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/funding/waste-minimisation-fund).  

For further information, contact media@waikatoregion.govt.nz