Media Release – December 1, 2004

International zero waste conference to be held in Kaikoura, April 6-8 next year

Top overseas and New Zealand experts will be seeking solutions to ending the days of rubbish at the first International Zero Waste Conference in Kaikoura next year.

The conference will hear the latest developments in zero waste and progress being made across New Zealand and
overseas.

Kaikoura District Council chief executive Stuart Grant said delegates will hear about success stories from communities, operators and others in zero waste, lessons learned and barriers faced.

``This is a superb excellent opportunity for the public to hear about zero waste and understanding the waste industry.

``We can learn how to progress towards a future
with zero waste.’’

Experts from within the waste industry, community groups, recyclers, researchers and others will talk about the challenge of achieving a future with zero waste.

More than 150 people will attend the April 6-8 conference including Palliser Estate wine head Richard Riddiford who will talk about sustainability and environment in a leading New Zealand premium winery.

The conference aims to make critical connections between the discards seen on rubbish day to pressing environmental health issues.

Landfills and big old rubbish dumps are no panacea for solving waste disposal problems, Mr Grant said.

``Landfills only postpone and do not prevent pollution. A Zero Waste approach offers the opportunity to build economically and environmentally healthy communities,’’ he said.

The conference will look especially at existing and future strategies for pursuing zero waste throughout the country to enhance New Zealand’s green clean image.

New Zealand was the first country in the world to adopt a zero waste strategy two years ago. However, rubbish mountains and landfills are growing all over the country.

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