North Shore rubbish collection trial a success, but technology won't be rolled out across Auckland
Kia ora neighbours. A new rubbish collection method trialled on the North Shore was a runaway success, but there are no plans to roll it out across the Auckland.
In 2021, rubbish collection using radio frequency identification (RFID) was trialled with 498 households in Albany, Beach Haven, Browns Bay, Murrays Bay, Northcross, Torbay and Totara Vale.
RFID is a wireless data transfer method. When a bin fitted with a RFID chip is emptied, payment is deducted from the resident’s account which is linked to their debit card.
The technology eliminates the need for residents to buy bin tags and provided Auckland Council with more insight on trial participants’ waste habits.
Of the 191 residents who completed a trial survey, 92 per cent wanted the service to continue.
“Overall, the trial was successful in providing a convenient, reliable service that ... based on survey responses, achieved very high satisfaction ratings from customers," the post-trial report stated.
However, RFID technology won’t be rolled out widely any time soon, as the council is still deciding whether the region should move entirely to a rates-funded model or a PAYT model.
“Should the region decide to pursue a user pays model, then the RFID payment method could be progressed,” an Auckland Council spokesperson said.
Click 'read more' for the full report.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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.