December 2021 Newsletter

Chairman’s Comment

Critical Decision time on Community Operation of our Transfer Stations
The people of Whitianga have a “once in a decade” opportunity to make a critical decision on whether our Refuse Transfer Stations should be run by private contractors or by our own community. The Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre (MBRRC) was formed to work alongside Council and develop the Resource Centre on the site of the new Transfer Station in Whitianga.

MBRRC have now teamed up with a consortium of other groups across the district to drive a discussion on community management and operation of all the Transfer Stations in the District.

The contract discussions are underway now. If this change is not made early in 2022, there is a chance the contracts will be awarded to a private contractor for the next 10 years.

To read the discussion paper on this click here.

Visitors from Auckland
December 15th is when we can expect to see the numbers increase from Auckland and other parts of the country. Many of our hospitality and business owners have endured challenging times without income from visitors. The rules might be confusing at times but it’s worth remembering that almost all of these procedures are being done for the first time, and everybody is learning as they go. These are stressful times, and we urge everyone to remain calm, be kind and be patient. Workers in retail and service industries deserve to be treated with respect. They don’t make the rules, and without them, we’d all be struggling to keep the wheels turning.

The team at WRRA would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you have an enjoyable and safe festive period. We would like to thank you all for your support throughout what has been another trying year for many. May you get to eat, drink and be merry and see 2022 in with positivity and kindness.

What’s Happening in this Month’s Newsletter

• e-Waste Recycling Drive
• WRRA makes progress on solid waste project with TCDC
• Aluminium bottle top collection stations in Whitianga
• Solid Waste contracts to be awarded in July 2022
• Local body elections – October 2022
• TCDC confirms budget for investigating alternative water supply
• Have Your Say – Open Public Consultations
• Stop food waste going to landfill. Sign the petition!
• Whitianga Art Group Summer 2022 Exhibition
• Have you signed up as a member? Your WRRA needs you!