Update on Rubbish Bin Tags
From 1 March, North Shore residents will no longer need to attach a bin tag to their general rubbish bin. Rubbish collections are moving from being partially rates-funded to be fully-rates funded. The amount that you pay in your rates (or rent) will depend on the size of bin that you currently use.
Until 1 March, you should continue to use the usual tags, however I am hearing that many dairies are running out of tags. I've checked with Auckland Council, and they say that dairies and small retailers are no longer being supplied with tags, but supermarkets will continue to be supplied until February. They should be provided with enough tags to last until 1 March.
If you end up with too many tags after the new service starts, you will be able to take them to your local library for a refund up until the end of April.
There are pros and cons with the move to fully-rates funded collections:
➡️ The benefits are that we will no longer be paying more (on average) than other parts of Auckland for our general rubbish; we will no longer have to dash out to the dairy for a rubbish tag when we realise late at night that we've run out; there will be no more tag thefts; tags will no longer be going to landfill; there should be less trucks on the road as many private operators will stop collecting general rubbish.
➡️ The disbenefits are that there will be no financial incentive to reduce household rubbish; there will be an increase in the total cost for anyone who doesn't put rubbish out every week.
All of Auckland will move to rates-funded rubbish collection by September 2025. Currently some parts of Auckland already pay through their rates, some use the orange bags that we used to have, and other areas (including Rodney) don't have any council rubbish service.
Originally all of Auckland was going to move to paying for each rubbish collection, however it was found that there was no discernible difference between the amount of rubbish collected in rates-paying areas vs tag-paying areas.
Meanwhile, we are waiting on a decision on whether Auckland will be moving from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections in 2026. This is something that I do not support due to the difficulties it will create for many people.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.5% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.4% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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