1018 days ago

Poll: How should our kerbside rubbish collection services be paid for?

Caroline Williams Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Kia ora Tāmaki Makaurau.

Auckland Council is looking to scrap bin tags in parts of Auckland.

The bin tags – or a pay as you throw (PAYT) system – were rolled out in West Auckland, Papakura and on the North Shore between 2017 and 2018.

Rather than paying for kerbside rubbish collection as part of their rates, residents in these areas purchase bin tags from supermarkets, council service centres and libraries, and attach them to their bin on rubbish collection day.

The bin tags were part of the council’s strategy to achieve its goal of zero waste to landfill by 2040, with one standard sized bin (120L, bin tag cost $4.25) fitting the equivalent of, and removing the need for, two plastic rubbish bags.

The council had planned on rolling out this system across the entire region, however it now believes it is too expensive to operate and lacks the financial incentive needed to make people reduce their waste.

Now, it is proposing to move the entire region to a rates-funded collection service, with the choice of three rubbish bin sizes to cater to different household needs and costs.

If the proposal to goes ahead, it is estimated Aucklanders will pay $314 per year for their rubbish, recycling and inorganic collection. Including food scraps collection, this will cost $375.

If the entire region moves to a PAYT system, it is expected each household would spend $353 on bin tags each year, or $415 including food scraps collection. This estimate is based on the current average collection rate of a household with a standard 120L bin.

Consultation on the matter will begin on February 28. So, what do you think should happen?

Read more here: www.stuff.co.nz...

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How should our kerbside rubbish collection services be paid for?
  • 34.6% Bin tags make me consider what I send to landfill
    34.6% Complete
  • 40.2% Rates-funded collection is easier than using bin tags
    40.2% Complete
  • 19.9% Rates-funded collection, but bin tags available for those with little waste
    19.9% Complete
  • 5.4% Undecided - tell us in the comments
    5.4% Complete
784 votes
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1 day ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.6% Yes
    76.6% Complete
  • 22.1% No
    22.1% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1374 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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13 hours ago

Aroha (Love and Compassion) - Day 14

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Tāwhirimātea and the Rescued Tītī Birds


In a time of great storms, Tāwhirimātea, Atua of winds and weather, saw the little tītī (muttonbirds) struggling against fierce gales that had scattered their flock. Though known for his ferocity, Tāwhirimātea felt aroha for the vulnerable birds. He calmed the winds and guided the tītī to shelter, teaching the Atua of the forest, Tāne, how to protect them with his trees. The birds thrived, and in gratitude, they became a source of sustenance and companionship for the people.

Moral: True power lies in compassion, and by caring for others, we create harmony in our world.