17 July 2015

Greens disappointed in Northland waste contract decision

It’s very disappointing that the Far North Regional Council has dumped a pioneering and innovative, community and iwi owned waste management enterprise, the Green Party said today.

“Cleanstream has been dealing with the Far North’s waste for over twenty years, and has made a huge contribution to the community and the local environment. It’s sad to see them dumped,” Green Party waste spokesperson Denise Roche said.

“Cleanstream pioneered kerbside recycling in New Zealand and worked with Far North communities on very successful waste minimisation projects, including running educational projects in schools.

“Cleanstream displayed serious long-term dedication to reducing waste, recycling, and reusing. I hope that the new service provider Northland Waste – which has expertise mostly in bins, trucking, and landfill dumping – can fill the big shoes left behind by Cleanstream.

“Cleanstream has a 25-year history of partnership with other communities throughout New Zealand to provide recycling services, including on Waiheke Island and in the South Island.

“The Council’s acknowledgement of Cleanstream’s leadership on environmental, waste minimisation, and community issues seems to have counted for nothing. But it is exactly the type of social enterprise that should be encouraged.

“It looks like the Council has discounted the long-term positive social impact of Cleanstream’s work, which may be difficult to quantify in a standard contracting process but is hugely valuable nonetheless.

“Local economies can benefit by up to $4 for every $1 invested from community enterprises like Cleanstream,” said Ms Roche.

“Cleanstream’s commitment to local employment, its community focus, and its record of successful partnerships with iwi, should not be forgotten,” said Green Party Northland-based MP David Clendon.

“I hope that the Council’s decision to dump Cleanstream doesn’t negatively affect associated enterprises like the Busabout Kaitaia service, which runs on locally made biofuel and is the only public transport operator in the Far North,” Mr Clendon said.

ENDS

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