Have you ever wondered what a sector group steering committee member does, and what value they get out of being on the committee? We spoke to members of WasteMINZ's sector group steering committees to get the scoop on why they love what they do.
All of our steering committee members said they appreciated the opportunity to empower WasteMINZ to be a strong voice for the sector and influence government legislation, and highlighted the need for different experiences and perspectives to be represented on steering committees.
You can scroll through the carousel below to read their thoughts.
Rachel Rait - Contaminated Land Management
Senior Scientist – Contaminated Sites, Environment Canterbury
My journey with WasteMINZ spans over a decade, during which I’ve actively participated in the Wasteminz Working Group’s Pre-conference workshops in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Since 2018, I’ve been part of the CLM sector group committee, advocating for and aiding in the advancement of best practices in managing contaminated land.
What is the most memorable achievement or project you’ve been involved with as a committee member?
Selecting a single standout achievement is challenging, as each pre-conference workshop has been exceptionally beneficial and fulfilling. However, the collaborative efforts in shaping draft legislation and guidance over the past six years stand out as particularly satisfying experiences.
Why do you find value in being a steering committee member?
Being a member of the steering committee, which includes a diverse group of industry, regulatory, and consulting professionals, has been immensely rewarding. The collective wisdom and dynamic exchanges are not only satisfying but also foster significant knowledge sharing. Contributing to consultations on legislation and the formulation of practice guidelines has been a source of great satisfaction, driving improvements and enhanced practices within the contaminated land sector.
What would you say to encourage a WasteMINZ member to put their hand up for a steering committee?
I would urge WasteMINZ members to consider joining a steering committee. It’s an enriching experience that offers valuable insights and the opportunity for meaningful dialogue with fellow committee members. The role is not only rewarding but also instrumental in broadening one’s understanding and contributing to the field.
Jo Ferry - Disposal to Land
Principal Environmental Consultant, Tonkin + Taylor
I have been working in the contaminated land and waste areas for over 20 years and I think I attended my first WasteMINZ conference very early in my career. I learned very early that being a successful consultant in this space is all about relationships, and WasteMINZ provided a great environment for me to build those relationships. I have been on the disposal to land sector committee for about 7 years. I was initially “volunteered” for the committee but have since learned the value in being involved and am pleased to be serving a third term as chair of the committee at present.
What is the most memorable achievement or project you’ve been involved with as a committee member?
Being a part of discussions with MfE on issues that are facing the waste and resource recovery space, and really feeling like we have a voice on decisions that are made at a central government level has been really rewarding for me.
Why do you find value in being a steering committee member?
Being on the committee given me a more well-rounded view of the issues facing our sector, and how they can affect people/parties differently. We have been very lucky to have a great range of committee members representing different parts of the waste and resource recovery space which has been a great learning experience for me.
What would you say to encourage a WasteMINZ member to put their hand up for a steering committee?
I would say that everyone’s perspectives and views are important and everyone has something to contribute. The committees, and WasteMINZ in general, are a very supportive environment to share your views, and help effect change within the industry. So don't be afraid to get involved.
Ajith Fernando - Health & Safety
HSEQR Manager – Reclaim Limited
I joined WasteMINZ Health & Safety Steering Committee as a member in February 2019. Since then, I had the opportunity work with highly experienced health & safety professionals from various other waste management companies.
What is the most memorable achievement or project you’ve been involved with as a committee member?
One of the major pieces of work that I was involved in was to review the health & safety aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand Waste Strategy. The waste strategy provides a high-level road map out to 2050 of how we are going to transform how we generate and manage waste in Aotearoa. The Health and Safety Sector Group Steering Committee has reviewed the strategy document in the view of eliminating or minimising risk of injury throughout the life cycle of the product, for example, in the design, construction, operation/use, and end of life disposal for that product.
Why do you find value in being a steering committee member?
The benefits I have received by joining the WasteMINZ H&S Steering Committee Group were tremendous and a few to include are:
- achieving personal growth
- taking my company to a competitive edge by having access to state of the art safety practices
- building professional relationships & networking
- accessing valuable information with regards to health & safety and risk mitigation
- and even having access to new job opportunities through other members of the committee.
What would you say to encourage a WasteMINZ member to put their hand up for a steering committee?
I highly recommend to all member companies to join the WasteMINZ’s Health & Safety Steering Committee to receive the above-mentioned benefits whilst helping WasteMINZ to develop health & safety best practice standards of the waste industry to the next level.
Rob Wilson - Product Stewardship
Operations Manager, EcoCentral
I’m currently member of the WasteMINZ Product Stewardship Steering Committee, the newly formed Reuse Working Group and the Recycling and Resource Recovery Steering committee! I've been involved in the waste industry for over 15 years in one form or another, but only become involved in the committees and working groups since 2019.
What is the most memorable achievement or project you’ve been involved with as a committee member?
One of the best projects has been providing recommendations to the Minister for Environment on Product Stewardship scheme design. We had the opportunity to gather collective wisdom and highlight the opportunity and benefits for taking a different approach. Alongside this, we have also enjoyed discussions with Ministry for the Environment staff on infrastructure requirements for long term success of waste strategies in NZ.
Why do you find value in being a steering committee member?
There are two key benefits being part of steering committees and a working group: knowledge sharing and professional networking. The opportunity to bring an operator’s perspective to these industry discussion has been invaluable and the learning I have gained through interaction with other committee members has been delightful.
What would you say to encourage a WasteMINZ member to put their hand up for a steering committee?
These committees need variety of thought to bring diverse perspectives to the conversation. Your voice could be just the one we are missing!
Rick Thorpe - Recycling & Resource Recovery
Contractor for Zero Waste Network and Trustee for Xtreme Zero Waste
I have been a member of WasteMINZ for the last 20yrs and on the Resource Recovery Sector Group Steering Committee for the past four years. I have conducted research on behalf of WasteMINZ to do with standardisation of kerbside collections.
What is the most memorable achievement or project you’ve been involved with as a committee member?
Over the last few years there has been an opportunity to submit to many national strategies and plans to scope the future of waste reduction in this country. The opportunity to represent the WasteMINZ members and pull together detailed submissions has been a highlight in terms of having influence over the progress of our sector.
Why do you find value in being a steering committee member?
I value having consideration to the spectrum of views within our sector and the ability to find common ground about future direction.
What would you say to encourage a WasteMINZ member to put their hand up for a steering committee?
Empower WasteMINZ to be a strong voice for our sector. Support it to work with other national organisations such as Zero Waste Network and Para Kore to achieve real waste reduction.
Eilidh Hilson - Territorial Authorities' Officers (TAO) Forum
Regional Waste Projects Facilitator for the Canterbury Waste Joint Committee, based at Christchurch City Council (CCC)
I volunteered at the WasteMINZ conferences in 2017 and 2018, in my earlier days working at CCC. I became a member in 2019, in my Waste Minimisation Officer role at CCC. I’ve been on the TAO steering committee for the last two terms, and I'm also a member of the Batteries Collection working group.
What is the most memorable achievement or project you’ve been involved with as a committee member?
The TA committee getting the online portal up and running. This was particularly helpful when the Ministry for the Environment required an accessible platform to distribute kerbside standardisation related materials to all TAs. The portal is a fantastic resource, for all councils to share and access documentation.
Why do you find value in being a steering committee member?
I value the opportunity to:
- Promote the breadth and depth of the work carried out by TAs in this sector.
- Engage with Central Government in the very early stages of projects where possible, so that consultation processes encompass considerations already raised by TAs.
- Respond to all relevant consultation opportunities as a cohesive voice, where possible.
- Strengthen the voice of smaller TAs, and give them more of a platform, ensuring the opportunity for all staff to provide their expertise.
- Provide an annual opportunity for TAs to vote on and then invest in a collaborative project, and participate in the annual in-person workshop.
- Facilitate the sharing of resources, documentation and ideas, for consistency, efficiency and mutual support, across TAs.
What would you say to encourage a WasteMINZ member to put their hand up for a steering committee?
The TAO Forum steering committee is highly proactive in enabling a strong cohesive voice, to drive projects for the benefit of all TAs. If you are interested in the opportunity to steer and progress waste minimisation priorities, and ensure these stay “on the table” in front of policy makers as much as possible, I would encourage putting your hand up for the committee.