In mid-2023, the TAO Forum Steering Committee embarked on a further update, as many of the priorities had been progressed by the Ministry for the Environment. 

The updated manifesto was released in August 2023, and helps to build awareness of the waste related priorities for local government and ensure the delivery of the waste strategy and other key priorities. 

In short, the update of the Local Government Waste Management Manifesto:

• Outlines the changes that have impacted the waste sector since the last update,
• Acknowledges the 2023 release of Te rautaki para | New Zealand Waste Strategy, and
• Sets out local government current key priorities to ensure the successful implementation of the new waste strategy.

Members of the TAO Forum urge central government to demonstrate strong leadership and commitment to the following actions: 

•  Progress the delivery of the 2023: Te rautaki para | New Zealand Waste Strategy. This, together with the supporting Action and Investment Plan, must provide direction to achieve the required systems change,

• Continue to allocate 50% of waste levy funds to local councils. Councils are key to delivery of the waste strategy and require support for action in their local communities,
• Introduce the Container Return Scheme as soon as possible alongside other product policies like product stewardship. This will help shift the cost of waste disposal from ratepayers to producers, manufacturers and consumers, and
•  Increase the waste disposal levy above $60 per tonne. This will provide essential funding for critical infrastructure to enable the circular economy.