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Envirocare July 2008
Envirocare provides quarterly updates on environmental issues, events and news about Environment Waikato. This page has the latest edition, and some earlier issues available for download.
July 2008
Read through the whole page, or click on our headlines:
Energy for the future
With drought recently affecting hydroelectricity production, and everyone feeling the pain at the petrol pumps, energy supply issues are a hot topic.
That's why the recent announcement of $1 billion worth of proposed new investment in geothermal energy generation is great news for our region, and for New Zealand.
Geothermal is a hugely important climate friendly energy source for the future. Recognising its importance, in 2003 Environment Waikato began developing a new geothermal policy to lay the groundwork for the sustainable development of this resource.
The policy was completed and adopted last year. It has given electricity generators the confidence to invest in new geothermal power stations by providing certainty to both developers and the community regarding the management of the resource. It also safeguards prized geothermal features and landscapes.
New geothermal energy investment could add about 400 megawatts of power to the national grid – that’s enough to supply Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and the Coromandel for a year.
Our region is already an energy powerhouse that has been playing a vital role in keeping New Zealand’s lights on this winter.
With our unique combination of geothermal, hydro, gas and coal-fired electricity generation, we have been producing between 40-45 per cent of the nation’s electricity while the South Island hydro lakes are low.
Over coming decades we will have an even bigger role to play in future renewable energy generation.
With the soaring cost of petrol and diesel, there is a greater push for new energy sources such as forestry biomass, wind and wave energy. In addition, the potential for alternative ways of powering transport, such as electric vehicles or electrified rail, will require additional electricity generation.
Our energy-rich region will certainly play a key part in this transformation.
Quick facts
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The Waikato generates more electricity than any other region in New Zealand.
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Eighty per cent of our country's geothermal fields are located in our region.
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More than 70 per cent of the electricity generated in the Waikato is exported to other New Zealand region.
Rates help protect our environment, our health and our economy
Environment Waikato has held its total rates revenue increase to 5.5 per cent ($3.221M) for 2008/09.
This compares to a projected 6.8 per cent rate revenue increase in the 2008/09 Draft Annual Plan and 12.4 per cent in the 2006-16 Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP).
The effect of the overall revenue increase on a $350,000 house in the majority of local authority areas will be a 1-2 per cent rates increase.
Property revaluations, such as in Otorohanga, may change the rates bill received by some individual ratepayers by more or less than that percentage. Households in some districts will have a rates reduction.
The total rate take is now set to be $62.106 million, compared to a projected $62.891 million in the Draft Annual Plan.
In Hamilton, the average rate increase is 4 per cent or $13.50 for a $350,000 house paying the passenger transport rate.
For more detailed information, download the PDF version of this newsletter
(1082 kb, 154 seconds to download, 56k modem).
Transport
The 2008/09 Annual Plan was the first opportunity to implement the improvements recommended by the 2007 Regional Passenger Transport Plan and the Regional Network Review. To that end, the council sought feedback from the public on three options for improvements to Hamilton bus services in 2008/09.
The council decided to go with a balanced approach that would improve city transport services while keeping rates increases down.
As a result, new direct services and Sunday services will launch this year, with other new services following later. (Please turn to page seven for information on the new direct services.)
The move only affects Hamilton ratepayers, who will pay $3.17 more per $100,000 of capital value in the 2008/09 financial year.
Visit this page for more information.
Our plan for the year
Environment Waikato adopted the 2008/09 Annual Plan, amendments to the 2006-16 Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) and Land Transport Programme on 26 June 2008.
The 2008/09 Annual Plan represents year three of the 2006-16 Long-Term Council Community Plan. The LTCCP is produced every three years and drives the work we do. The Annual Plan is produced in the years between each LTCCP and sets out the budget and funding sources for each year.
Public consultation on the draft documents attracted 808 submissions. Hearings took place in Hamilton from 26–28 May with 60 submitters presenting their comments to council in person.
A number of requests for fi nancial assistance were received through the submission process, with the following being granted:
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Surf Lifesaving Northern region and Bay of Plenty – $55,000
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Boat discharge monitoring (Lake Taupo) – $25,000
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Waikato River Trails – $70,000
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Hamilton City Council for continued sub-regional growth planning – $106,000
Environment Waikato councillors welcomed the opportunity to hear from submitters. The council will be writing to everyone who took the time to comment on the proposals to thank them for their submission.
A snapshot of your rates
Budgets and rates
The council was aware of expectations to lower rate increases and believes it has made signifi cant progress toward achieving that aim this year. Rates revenue increases have been reduced from the LTCCP projection of 12.4 percent to 5.5 percent for the 2008/09 financial year.
Total expenditure for the 2008/09 year will be $91.265 million. This is an increase of $102,000 on 2007/08 Annual Plan. Key contributors to this increased expenditure are:
Biosecurity
Council adopted an amendment to the 2006-16 LTCCP in relation to biosecurity. There were two parts to the amendment.
Council will stop collecting the regional share of bovine Tb costs on behalf of the Animal Health Board (AHB). This follows the AHB’s decision to end its vector management control contract with the council on 30 June 2008.
The council decided its priority was to use available pest control funds to maintain the gains achieved in ex-bovine Tb areas and to protect biodiversity.
There will be a $1.4 million reduction to the pest management budget due to the failure of the Crown to contribute funding for regional pest management at the projected level, limited availability of pest control contractors, and council staff capacity.
The Draft Annual Plan also contained three options for further cuts to
the pest management budget. Following thorough deliberation, the council decided there would be no further reductions, with biosecurity expenditure for the 2008/09 year being $5.835 million.
Visit this page for more information.
Ask us!
If you’d like detailed information on your individual rates for 2008/09 you can:
- visit our online rates information
- call Environment Waikato’s freephone 0800 800 401.
Have the valuation reference number or address of your property ready and follow the simple instructions.
The answers to many commonly asked questions are available here, by calling our freephone or emailing.
We're an energy-rich region
The Waikato is New Zealand's premier electricity region, generating more electricity than any other in the country.
While many people think of South Island hydro as the dominant source of New Zealand's electricity, this is split between three regions – Otago, Southland and Canterbury.
The Waikato provides the backbone of New Zealand’s electricity system. In dry years, our region holds the system together by generating up to 45 per cent of New Zealand's electricity. This comes from a number of sources including hydropower, coal and gas-fired electricity stations, geothermal plants, and cogeneration plants in the forestry and dairy industries.
Our position as the premier electricity region will be further enhanced with the renaissance in geothermal and the development of wind generation.
The Waikato is also a major electricity transmission corridor, a key gas transmission corridor from Taranaki, and an important producer and exporter of coal.
Biomass and biofuels, particularly from forestry and agricultural by-products, are other major potential energy sources. As oil prices rise, these types of non fossil fuel products will become more financially viable. Another exciting new technology in development is wave energy, which could be harnessed from the west coast.
Energy resources are an important driver of Waikato economic growth. Economic development agency Katolyst notes electricity generation and supply creates sales of $800 million a year for the region, and employs more than 10,000 people.
Given the fact that energy sources flow across many geographic boundaries, Environment Waikato plays an important role in ensuring the sustainable use of these vital energy resources.
Developing the regional energy strategy
The Waikato is one of the first regions to work on developing an energy strategy to address our unique local needs and energy resources.
This regional strategy follows on from the release of the Government’s New Zealand Energy Strategy, which sets out an energy roadmap to 2050. The aim of the regional strategy is to pick up key elements from the national strategy, integrate them with the needs of the regional economy, and find ways of making them work practically at a local level.
The development of the Draft Regional Energy Strategy is a multi-stakeholder process, which is being coordinated by Environment Waikato. Other groups involved are central and local government, electricity companies, lines companies, other energy producers, industry and domestic users and community groups.
The non-statutory document will help to inform decision-makers at the regional and district level in the development of policy and planning documents.
The strategy will be released ready for feedback later this year.
International honours for geothermal policy
Environment Waikato's policy to ensure sustainable use of geothermal resources has won a prestigious international energy award.
The Energy Globe Awards are for projects that conserve energy resources, and use renewable or emission-free forms of energy. The regional council’s entry was one of 853 individual projects submitted from 109 nations. Environment Waikato won the award for the best of New Zealand's five entries.
Environment Waikato’s policy programme manager Blair Dickie was recently presented with the winner’s certificate at a ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Not an ordinary school project
The Environment Waikato managed enviroschools programme has supported Hukanui School students to carry out an exciting new project.
The school will become the first in New Zealand to build an environmentally friendly eco-classroom, led by students.
Being involved with creating, researching and planning the project over the past three years has encouraged the more than 100 students involved to take ownership of it, and make positive environmental changes in their everyday lives.
They have been supported by environmental education teacher Michelle White, the school’s Board of Trustees, parents and local community experts.
Expected to have half the ecological footprint of an ordinary classroom, the new building will make the most of natural sunlight and heat. Features include solar panels, a rainwater collection tank, double-glazed windows, concrete floors, chemically untreated and locally sourced timber, eco-fleece insulation and a garden that will incorporate the school’s recycling systems.
“From the very beginning we have armed the students with knowledge and allowed them to make final decisions, from the design to the building materials and even promotional resources,” Mrs White said.
The project, which began in 2005, has excited the whole school community and attracted the support of many local businesses. The school is well on the way to raising the $250,000 needed. If you can help with sponsorship, please call Mrs White on (07) 855 6037.
The E-mission - Planting our future
To help people kick the carbon habit and mark world environment day on 5 June, Environment Waikato launched the E-mission - Planting our future.
Thanks to generous sponsorship from Ricoh Hamilton, we offered 1000 native seedlings to all Enviroschools in our region. The trees and shrubs will help to increase native biodiversity and offset up to 226 tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lifespan.
We also provided pear trees to help students learn about the benefits of eating locally grown, in-season produce to reduce food miles. Thanks to support from McGrath Nurseries in Cambridge we were able to provide trees suited to Waikato conditions.
Environment Waikato’s Enviroschools programme encourages students to reduce their carbon footprint by consuming fewer resources and producing less waste. To fi nd out more, call Dean King on 0800 800 401.
Biodiversity advice
Need advice on biodiversity issues? Biodiversity Advice Waikato, supported by Environment Waikato, can help.
Call 0800 BIODIV for information on tree and shrub planting, animal pest management, native birds, fish and insects, and weed identification and management. The team also provides support for community conservation groups and links to environmental agencies. They can even arrange to visit you at your place.
Businesses measure carbon footprint
Businesses are measuring their carbon footprint through Landcare Research’s carboNZero programme.
CarboNZero provides a straightforward process for measuring emissions and creating a plan to reduce or offset them. Visit them for more information.
Green policies attract customers
Technology company Ricoh's commitment to caring for the environment is one reason Hamilton manager Dave Lindsay enjoys his job so much.
“Everyone’s worried about global warming and businesses have a responsibility to step up and do something about it,” he said.
“It’s nice to work for an organisation that’s leading the way on environmental issues.”
Ricoh Hamilton offers customers a free recycling service for toner cartridges and machines and staff recycle as much as possible, from plastic bags and paper, to polystyrene, cardboard and plastic wrap from packaging. It is also currently measuring its carbon footprint.
“Over the past two years customers have really started to value Ricoh’s green culture,” Mr Lindsay said.
“There’s been a turning point and our sustainable policies are really coming into focus, to the point where they are influencing people’s decisions to work with, and buy from, us. They were one of the top two deciders for a client last year.”
Ricoh Hamilton distributes and services copiers, printers and multifunctional devices and provides software solutions.
“Our global parent company, Ricoh Group, has been a leader in minimising environmental impacts in the manufacture of machines, while making products more energy efficient and easier to recycle,” Mr Lindsay said.
“This year, Ricoh was named as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, for the fourth consecutive year.”
Ricoh Hamilton employees are active members of the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust and supporters of the Motuihe Island Restoration Trust. Since 2004, together with family and clients, they have planted more than 8000 trees on Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Ricoh is also subsidising native plants for school fundraising projects nationwide.
“Our employees love planting trees; they get a real sense of satisfaction from it,” Mr Lindsay said.
“They feel good about working for a company that’s giving something back.”
Is your home or business using a great idea to reduce your carbon footprint? Please share it with us by emailing.
10 Things you can do to use less petrol
Don't be caught short
About a third of New Zealand car trips are less than two kilometres in length. Try walking these short distances, or plan ahead and combine all your short trips into a single car journey. What about fixing a basket to your bike for those small items you need from the dairy? |
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Stay tuned
Regularly service and maintain your car. The right tyres, tyre pressure and wheel alignment also make a difference. A well maintained car can use 10-20 per cent less fuel than an inadequately mainatined one. |
Bus, bike or walkGoing car-free can save you time, money and stress. Taking a bus can also put you more in touch with others in your community. Reclaim the streets on foot or bike and rediscover your area, while getting the added bonus of healthy exercise. |
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Size does matterIf you're in the market for a vehicle, consider a smaller car. Go for an engine size of less than two litres, and don't buy a car that is larger than what you need for everyday life. |
Drive a walking bus
Get involved in a walking school bus, where children walk to school in an organised group with a volunteer 'bus driver'. Find out if there's one at your kids' school, or start one up. |
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Take it easy
Aggressive driving uses up to a third more fuel than calm driving. Accelerate smoothly and slow down early rather than braking late. Stay within the speed limit - by travelling at 100 km/h instead of 110 km/h you can use around 13 per cent less fuel. |
CarpoolShare a ride. Organise carpooling with people you know, or check out one of the nationwide carpooling websites to get in touch with others offering or needing a ride. |
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Don't be a drag
Every extra 45kg your car carries can reduce your fuel efficiency by two per cent. Take out unneccessary items that add weight to your vehicle, and remove roof or bike racks if not used regularly. |
Pump it up
Keep your car tyres inflated at the right pressure. Under-inflation of just one psi can reduce fuel efficiency by three per cent. Properly inflated tyres not only save you fuel, they can also save your life. |
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Turn off the aircon
Only use air conditioning when absolutely necessary - it can use up to 10 per cent more fuel. |
Historic Lake Taupo project one step closer
Environment Waikato is one step closer to ensuring the clear, blue water of Lake Taupo is protected for future generations of New Zealanders.
We moved to protect the lake in 2001 when scientific evidence revealed its water quality was under threat. Increased nitrogen entering the lake from surrounding land was reducing the health of the lake.
Any serious decline in the quality of the lake water would be difficult to reverse, and failing to act would have economic, social and cultural consequences for our region and our country.
In response, Environment Waikato proposed a change to its Regional Plan, introducing new policies and rules for land use and sewage treatment. These will ensure the amount of nitrogen entering the lake is capped at historical levels.
Nine parties appealed the plan change to the Environment Court. Over the past year, Environment Waikato has been successful at resolving most issues, including allowing more flexibility for owners of forestry and undeveloped land.
To resolve remaining issues, court hearings were to have been held over seven weeks from May to July. However there was a major step forward when one of the parties, which contested the entire proposal, withdrew most of its appeal midway through the hearing. All the remaining parties are now broadly in agreement with the overall approach to protecting the lake. We are awaiting the final decision from the Environment Court.
Meanwhile, to support the Regional Plan change, the Government, Taupo District Council and Environment Waikato are investing $81 million over a 15-year period to protect Lake Taupo. The parties, along with the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, have established the Lake Taupo Protection Trust, the job of which is to reduce the amount of nitrogen entering the lake by 20 per cent.
As the legal and planning issues near resolution, Environment Waikato, land owners and the Lake Taupo Protection Trust can confidently start planning the long term protection of this internationally renowned natural treasure.
The water flow
Waikato water resources are under increasing pressure. We take about two million cubic metres of surface water every day - 10 times more than 20 years ago.
In the face of this growing demand, Environment Waikato has moved to create fair and robust rules around how much water people can take.
The new rules were proposed as a variation to our Regional Plan in October 2006. Essentially, they replace the first in, first served system with a priority system. This prioritises supply for essential uses such as domestic and municipal water needs, the provision of water for animal and human health and sanitary uses, and during water shortages, for the processing of perishable food products.
A range of people, including councils, iwi, conservation and large industry groups, representatives from the electricity and agricultural sectors and individual land owners, had their say on our proposals at hearings that closed on March 20 this year.
Some key issues discussed related to the importance of water for:
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Municipal and domestic supply
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The security of the region and nation's electricity suply, taking int oaccount future growth and demand
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The growing agricultural sector, particularly irrigation for dairy development
Other issues included the importance of using water efficiently and ensuring the need to take water is balanced with the sustainable management of natural freshwater ecosystems.
Given the complexity of the issues raised and the breadth and detail of the submissions received, commissioners have indicated their deliberations will take some time.
Their recommendations are expected to be presented to Environment Waikato’s council later this year. Following council approval, the new water allocation rules will be publicly notifi ed and interested parties will have a set period of time to make appeals to the Environment Court. Visit this page for more information about the new water allocation policy.
Waikato River settlement
Waikato-Tainui continues to negotiate its Treaty of Waitangi settlement over the Waikato River with the Crown. A Deed of Settlement is now expected in August 2008. Part of the settlement included the formation of a Guardians Establishment Committee (GEC) to develop a Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River. This Vision and Strategy has recently been completed and was presented on 20 June 2008 to the Crown and Waikato-Tainui by the GEC for consideration and approval. It is anticipated that the settlement legislation will, among other things, require Environment Waikato and other councils to “give effect“ to the Vision and Strategy in Resource Management Act planning documents.
Where's the smoke...
Home fires are the main cause of harmful particles in the air of Waikao urban areas and other New Zealand towns and cities. Smoke from open fires, wood burners and multi-fuel burners contains harmful invisible particles (P10) which are small enough to get into human lungs and contribute to serious health problems, such as respiratory illnesses, asthma and heart disease.
Cleaning up urban air is becoming critical. As well as affecting human health, the economic health of the region could be at risk. Central government has put targets in place to reduce air pollution in New Zealand by 2013. If these aren’t met, Environment Waikato cannot grant resource consents for discharges to air in areas not meeting the targets. This could affect new and existing businesses and industries and cause a downturn in employment.
What are we doing about it?
Together with other agencies, Environment Waikato has been carrying out a pilot project in Tokoroa to help people on low incomes insulate their homes and change to cleaner forms of heating. We have applied for further funding from the Government to expand the programme into Taupo and Te Kuiti next year.
With the deadline for improving air quality looming, the Waikato community will need to make a decision on how to improve air quality in our towns and cities, in particular what mix of education, incentives and regulation will best meet the targets.
Environment Waikato will soon release a discussion document for feedback from key stakeholders, which will help to guide any policy we make.
You can help to clean up the air:
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Insulate ceilings, walls and floors to improve energy efficiency and warmth in your home.
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If you are upgrading your open fire or old wood burner, choose a low-emission wood burner, pellet burner, heat pump of flued gas burner.
If you have a wood burner or open fire
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Cut wood into pieces no more than 10-15 cm thick.
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Use dry wood that has been stored in a dry spot for at least six months.
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Give your fire plenty of air so it burns hotter. If you can see smoke from your chimney your fire needs more air.
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Don't overload the fire with wood.
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Don't damp down your wood burner overnight - this creates more smoke and particles.
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Don't burn rubbish, driftwood, painted wood or chemically treated wood.
Roaring success
Tokoroa resident Eila Veens and her family are enjoying a warmer, drier, healthier home thanks to the clean heat project.
Environment Waikato contributed $300,000 to the project, which is helping Tokoroa people convert to cleaner forms of heating.
Eila’s family received a grant to replace its smoky old fire with a low-emission wood burner.
“When my husband fi rst saw the new fi re he was worried because it was so small,” Eila said.
“But we’ve been totally blown away by it. I can walk around in shorty pyjamas and a singlet in the mornings, the house is so warm.
“The kids are filling the wood box every three nights instead of every night and we have reusable fire starters instead of kindling. There’s a wetback we could use for water heating and a hotplate that I’ve used to cook veggies and make soups and boil-ups.
“Once the fire gets going you can’t even see any smoke from the chimney, that’s another awesome feature. My eldest son has asthma so it’s good to know we’re helping him and others in the same situation.
“Now when people come around my husband tells them how good the fire is!“
Before getting the new wood burner, the Veens had ceiling and floor insulation installed, which also helped.
“The floor’s warmer and it doesn’t get damp when we put mattresses down in the lounge any more,” Eila said.
Direct bus services launch
Environment Waikato has just launched three new direct bus services to help Hamilton people get to and from work.
At a time of high petrol prices, using public transport is a great way to save money. It also decreases carbon dioxide emissions and reduces your ecological footprint.
The rising petrol prices, new routes and positive publicity about the buses are key reasons why city residents are using our services in record numbers.
The three new services we’ve just launched are for suburban commuters who want a quicker trip into the central city. They operate only at peak travel times and have limited stops, so will appeal to people who have been asking for a faster, cheaper and reliable alternative to driving cars.
will service industrial areas around Maui St and help cater for a growing number of Pukete residents.
links with the Orbiter, Frankton and Dinsdale services for easy transfer opportunities.
replaces the Chartwell Direct service and caters for the expanding St James Park and Somerset Heights areas in Rototuna.
If you haven’t already started using the new services and want to get on board, call 0800 4 BUSLINE, visit their website, or visit the Transport Centre on the corner of Bryce and Anglesea Sts.
Where the new services go:
Maps and timetables.
Pukete direct
Transport Centre, Bryce St, Victoria St, Ulster St, Te Rapa Rd, Vardon Rd, Taylor Tce, Braid Rd, Sandwich Rd, Totara Dr, Challinor St, Pukete Rd, Moreland Ave, Church Rd, Maui St.
Dinsdale direct
Transport Centre, Bryce St, Seddon Rd, Marama St, Lake Rd, Queens Ave, Killarney Rd, Dinsdale Rd, Newcastle Rd, Ellicott Rd, Hyde Ave, Grandview Rd, Bartholomew Dr, Dominion Rd.
Rototuna direct
(replacing the Chartwell Direct)
Transport Centre, Victoria St, Boundary Rd, Heaphy Tce, Bankwood Rd, Hukanui Rd, Thomas Rd.
Visionary farming company protects native bush.
Imagine a rugby field. Now fill it with New Zealand bush. Now multiply that by 800.
That’s roughly the size of a King Country native forest block that farming company Ingleby is protecting forever on one of its farms, with help from Environment Waikato and the QEII Trust.
The 817-hectare forest block is on Puketiti Station, a sheep, beef and deer farm in remote, hilly land west of Piopio. It drains into the Awakino and Mangaorongo rivers, which flow out of the Herangi Range.
Ingleby is spending more than $30,000 to fence the block off from stock and covenant it, to ensure the native bush will always be protected.
“This is the biggest parcel of native forest Environment Waikato has ever helped to retire on farmland and it’s awesome stuff in terms of its ecological value,”
Environment Waikato land management officer Colin Ferguson said.
“It’s beautiful, healthy bush near the headwaters of two rivers and a huge area of undisturbed native forest park. Thanks to the owners, this stunning wildlife habitat will never be destroyed, the land will be more stable, and river water quality will be protected.”
So far, nearly three kilometres of fencing has been built to seal off the bush block from stock, and another kilometre will finish the job this year.
Environment Waikato and the QEII trust have helped Ingleby manage and fund the project.
Environment Waikato can help with land retirement projects and fund up to 35 per cent through our soil conservation fund. For more information, please call 0800 800 401 and ask for your local land management officer.
Farm reduces carbon footprint
Covenanting native bush on Puketiti Station is central to farming company Ingleby’s commitment to producing food in an environmentally sustainable manner, says general manager Rick Braddock.
“When we purchase a property, as well as looking at its commercial value in terms of productivity, we also look at what we need to do to ensure its long-term sustainability,” Mr Braddock said.
“You’re in a better position to demand a premium for your products if they are sustainable, carbon neutral and traceable.”
The company is aiming to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and has zero tolerance to allowing erosion or waste back into the ecosystem.
Mr Braddock believes environmental sustainability has a direct relationship with economic welfare.
“We believe good farming can both feed the world and protect the environment and you only have to pick up a newspaper to see the emphasis now being placed on that,” he said.
“I think the proposed emissions trading scheme is going to change the way we go about pastoral farming in New Zealand forever – but I see it as an opportunity rather than a liability.
“I think with the trading scheme, and the whole attitude of consumers to greenhouse gases and global warming, there’s a real opportunity for pastoral farmers to use marginal farmland to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and seek to become carbon neutral.
“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. We want to leave our farms in a better condition than when we found them.”
Waihou Piako review
A limited review of the funding systems for the Waihou and Piako river schemes is currently being undertaken, with the aim to improve the fairness and consistency of the rating for the two schemes.
As part of developing a draft funding policy, community meetings were held in April-May 2008. Feedback from these meetings is being considered as part of this process.
Further feedback and submissions on the draft funding policy will be sought from the community in September-October this year. The funding policy will then be adopted through Environment Waikato’s 2009-19 Long-Term Council Community Plan. Visit this page for further information.
Councillor's contacts
See Committees and councillors.
Download in PDF format
You can view this publication in PDF format below.
Envirocare - July 2008
(1082 kb, 154 seconds to download, 56k modem)
Earlier publications
Envirocare - April 2008
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Envirocare - February 2008
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Envirocare - October 2007
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Envirocare - July/August 2007
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Envirocare -April 2007
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Draft Annual Plan Summary - April 2007
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Envirocare - February/March 2007
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Envirocare - November 2006
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Envirocare - September 2006
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Envirocare - February 2006
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Envirocare - November 2005
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Envirocare - Winter 2005
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Envirocare - Autumn 2005
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Envirocare - Summer 2005
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