Local government waste officers are calling on political parties to commit to a fairer, more effective waste system that reduces pressure on households and ratepayers, following the release of the updated Local Government Waste Policy Manifesto.
Produced by WasteMINZ’s Territorial Authorities’ Officers (TAO) Forum, the manifesto sets out a clear agenda for future waste policy, based on councils’ frontline experience delivering waste and recycling services in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The TAO Forum represents council waste officers working in 64 territorial or unitary authorities and provides a united voice on waste-related matters.
“Communities rely on councils every day to keep neighbourhoods clean and safe, manage waste infrastructure, and respond when things go wrong,” said Morgan Harrison, Chair of the TAO Forum Steering Committee.
“What councils are asking for is simple: the right tools, investment and policy settings to deliver the waste system our communities deserve.”
The document outlines four key priorities which will support effective waste management and minimisation across the motu.
“This manifesto reflects what councils see every day,” Morgan said. “It provides realistic, practical shifts that can reduce harm from waste, protect community wellbeing and deliver better outcomes for everyone.”
Shifting costs away from ratepayers
At the heart of the manifesto is a call to shift responsibility and liability for problematic products upstream, away from councils and households, and onto the producers and consumers that place those products on the market.
“Too often, councils are left managing the cost and consequences of products that were never designed with reuse, repair or safe disposal in mind,” Morgan said. “Batteries, electronics, textiles and hazardous products are creating real challenges on the ground. Those costs should not be landing on ratepayers.”
The manifesto supports expanded and effective product stewardship schemes so that manufacturers and importers take responsibility for the full lifecycle impacts of their products.
Protecting levy funding for local investment
The TAO Forum is also calling for councils’ share of the waste disposal levy to be protected, recognising the critical role the levy funding plays in supporting local waste minimisation initiatives and infrastructure investment.
“Levy funding allows councils to invest in services and facilities that reduce waste, improve waste diversion outcomes and minimise illegal dumping,” Morgan said. “If councils lose access to this funding, the financial burden inevitably shifts back onto households.”
Recognising waste infrastructure as critical infrastructure
The manifesto highlights the need to recognise waste and resource recovery infrastructure as critical infrastructure, in order to unlock public and private investment in modern, resilient, onshore solutions.
“Without the right planning frameworks and investment signals, New Zealand risks falling behind on the infrastructure needed to reduce landfill reliance and build a more circular economy,” Morgan said.
Better data, compliance and enforcement
Councils are also seeking fit‑for‑purpose waste data, stronger compliance tools and effective enforcement to target mismanaged waste and plan services with confidence.
“Good decisions rely on good information,” Morgan said. “Improved data and enforcement will help councils focus effort where it is most needed and deliver better value for communities.”
