Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local construction waste champions are leading the charge in eco-friendly site practices.
Building green just got easier thanks to the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board’s new initiative the Construction and Demolition Waste Leadership and Enforcement programme.
Funded by the board, the programme introduces a part-time advisor to guide builders and developers in reducing construction waste and boosting environmental benefits.
This forward-thinking programme was introduced in 2023 with $45,000 allocated in 2023/2024 and $50,000 for 2024/2025.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich shares, “This initiative forms a cornerstone of our local environmental programme, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and environmental wellbeing.
“We were concerned about construction materials contaminating our streams and stormwater drains and their significant role in Auckland’s landfill, and we needed to find actionable solutions.
“The outcome is this dynamic programme, designed to work closely with local builders and developers. By enhancing site practices, boosting compliance, and minimising waste from construction and demolition activities, we aim to drive significant improvements in our environmental impact and workforce.”
Key areas of focus are weekly surveillance and reporting of breaches, engaging builders and developers to boost waste minimisation, and using relocatable security cameras to catch illegal dumpers and alert enforcement teams.
Construction and demolition materials, like timber, concrete, and plastics, make up 40-50% of New Zealand's landfill waste. Excessive waste from current practices and rising disposal costs are increasing illegal dumping rates.
In June, Chair Bakulich and Member Christine O’Brien, along with Wilkinson Environmental staff Cushla and Claude, toured development sites with site manager Cam Tocker, to observe the board-funded service’s impact, including a large project with 188 townhouses.
Bakulich adds, “A strong and resilient South Auckland is key to Auckland’s - and Aotearoa New Zealand’s - bright economic future.
“By adopting this approach, we not only advance our environmental initiatives, strengthen local partnerships, but also prioritise the health and wellbeing of our people (like James’s featured below), and contribute to the development of a highly skilled, contemporary workforce.”
L-R: Claude Dewerse, waste saving champion James Wu, board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich and board member Christine O’Brien.
For local board funded advice on construction material recycle and diversion opportunities email claude@wenz.co.nz
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