Council waste trip explained

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 486, 18 May 1993, Page 4

Council waste trip explained

• In response to the 'Waste of money on waste?' letter on 1 1 May 1993, I must explain the intention of the newly formed working party. As chairman, I favour the idea of visiting similar locations to the Ruapehu District Council to compare waste management techniques. I have been a longtime campaigner to address the irresponsible methods of waste that occurs throughout the district. The Ruapehu District Council have been slow, in my view, to meet the present day attitudes to waste management. Many local authorities throughout New Zealand have modern waste disposal systems in place, including recycling of various forms. The Council recycling working party have met to set priorities in waste management. The first aim is to identify what would be appropriate for the district, taking into consideration the diversity of waste management needs. The tour in question has not taken place yet and will be discussed further at a subsequent meeting. Yes, we can get information printed on waste management and, yes, we can have one person visit other local

authorities and report back, but what a responsibility for that person and it would only be one point of view, representing many communities' interests. I have seen reports from consuitants and the' like pretending to know the facts and often leading council up the gar-den-path and charging the earth. Please don't knock your interested and conscientious councillors and community representatives in their bid to see the homework is done , including Maori values on such an important issue as waste management. In the past we tended to be a throwaway society, tending to leave issues like this for future generations to solve. In conclusion, a similar tour was held last year in the early stages of the Taumarunui sewage up-grading scheme. The Taumarunui Ward members visited many sewage schemes in Northland and the outcome was that members felt confident making decisions in Council, backed-up with written reports. All I hope is we meet head-on the real issue of controlling an out-of-hand waste management system. Weston Kirton Chairman Waste Management Working Party