Appendix 1.pdf

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Act
Information
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Cabinet Office
CO (24) 6

Notice
17 December 2024

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Intended for
All Ministers
All Chief Executives
Chiefs of Staff
Senior Private Secretaries
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All Private Secretaries

Government Appointments to be made in 2025: Information
Requested
Background
1
Each year, the Cabinet Office compiles for Ministers a schedule of all government
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appointments considered by the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee
(APH), highlighting those that are due to be made in the year ahead.
2
Agencies are asked to provide the information requested below to the APH Secretary
via their Minister’s office by Thursday 30 January 2025.  Completed organisation
forms should be emailed to [email address].
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Information supplied through AppointNet
3
Agencies who have entered a complete dataset in the new AppointNet system do not
the
need to manually complete organisation forms. Instead, please advise us at the above
email address if your data can be captured from AppointNet to allow us to run the
necessary reports.
Information to be supplied by Agencies
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4
Agencies who do not have completed information in AppointNet are asked to provide
a completed organisation form for every entity for which their agency is responsible
where appointments are considered by APH.
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An organisation form must be provided for each entity, even if no appointments are
due to be made in 2025.
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An organisation form should also be provided for any new bodies expected to be
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established and membership considered by APH in 2025. Note the anticipated
establishment date for the body and proposed number of members in the current
members section.

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7
The completed organisation form must:
7.1
show the full name of the organisation and responsible portfolio;
7.2
show the full, current membership of the body as at 31 December 2024. This
should include:
7.2.1
the expiry date of each member’s current term;
7.2.2
any members whose terms have expired, but who are continuing in
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office until replaced or reappointed;
7.2.3
any members appointed or elected outside the APH process or by
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other parties (with appropriate notation showing this is the case);
7.3
highlight those members whose terms have expired, or will expire in 2025;
7.4
show any vacancies as “Vacancy” in the name column;
Gender and Ethnicity Information
8
Agencies should only provide gender or ethnicity information where it has been
provided by the candidate.
Information
9
All ethnicities and iwi stated by the candidate should be shown on the organisation
form. Leave blank if no ethnicities have been declared.
10
Gender should be shown as M, F, or X (other gender). Leave blank if a gender has not
been declared.
How the information is used
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11
The Cabinet Office will use the information provided to compile a schedule that lists
all bodies, considered by APH, with expected vacancies in 2025 to enable Ministers
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to nominate suitable candidates and responsible Ministers to manage upcoming
appointments.
12
The information supplied will also contribute to the compilation of gender and ethnic
representation stocktakes compiled by the Ministry for Women, Office of Ethnic
Communities, and Te Puni Kōkiri.
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Rachel Hayward
Secretary of the Cabinet
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Enquiries:
9(2)(a)

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APH Organisation Form
All sections must be completed.
Organisation and Responsible Portfolio
Waste Advisory Board (Environment)
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Brief Outline of the Functions and Responsibilities of the Organisation
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The Waste Advisory Board was established under Part 7 of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (WMA). Its
role is to provide the Minister for the Environment with advice on matters relating to waste minimisation.
The Minister is required to obtain and consider advice from the Board in a number of situations, as
specified in the WMA. The Minister can also ask for expert advice on other waste related topics.
The Board meets regularly to discuss waste topics, hear from policy and industry representatives and
develop advice.

Current Membership
Information
9(2)(a)
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*Note that four appointments have expired, these members have agreed to stay in their roles until
replaced or reappointed. These appointments processes are underway.
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APH Organisation Form
All sections must be completed.
Organisation and Responsible Portfolio
Environmental Protection Authority Board (Environment)
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Brief Outline of the Functions and Responsibilities of the Organisation
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The EPA, a Crown agent established by the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011, is New
Zealand’s national environmental regulator. It makes independent decisions about applications,
and compliance, monitoring and enforcement activity under certain environmental Acts. The EPA
also supports New Zealand to meet international environmental obligations.
The EPA’s statutory functions include:
•  assessing fast-track consenting applications
•  deciding hazardous substances and new organisms (HSNO) applications
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•  helping industries work safely with hazardous substances
•  administering the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and ETS Register
•  consenting and monitoring activities taking place within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

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Current Membership
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2

Media query form
Office of Hon Penny Simmonds

Date of initial
Monday, 2 December 2024
media query

Journalist’s
Yashas Srinivasa
contact
Reporter
details
Stuff
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19 Sophia Street,
Timaru 7910
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Media query
Kia ora,


This is regarding a letter sent by Why Waste Waimate to Ministers regarding a proposal to build a
waste to energy plant in the Waimate District (letter attached).
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Minister Penny Simmonds has been mentioned in the letter.

Can the minister please confirm she has received the letter?
What is the minister's response to the letter?

My deadline is 1pm tomorrow.

Thanks

Yashas Srinivasa

Date of
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
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Minister’s
email
response

Minister’s
Kia ora Yashas,
email

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response
Thanks for your email.

Confirming that a copy of the letter has been received at the office of Hon Penny Simmonds.

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Please see the statement below in response to your second question.

Statement from Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment

“Every project on the list was recommended by the independent Advisory Group and then
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confirmed by Cabinet.

"Once the Bill passes into law, the projects listed in Schedule 2 can apply to the EPA to have an
Expert Panel assess their project, decide whether it receives consent, and then attach any
necessary conditions for the relevant approvals. The applications will include, among other things,
a description of the project's effects on the environment and the panels will be required to consider
those effects as part of the approval process.”

Please let me know if you have any other queries.
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Response
Hon Penny Simmonds, 9(2)(a)

Sign off

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Portfolio
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Private
Secretaries
sent email
copy of final
response

Background
Approved lines from Minister Bishop’s office:
information

to inform
“Every project on the list was recommended by the independent Advisory Group and then
Minister’s
confirmed by Cabinet.
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response

"Once the Bill passes into law, the projects listed in Schedule 2 can apply to the EPA to have an
Expert Panel assess their project, decide whether it receives consent, and then attach any
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necessary conditions for the relevant approvals. The applications will include, among other things,
a description of the project's effects on the environment and the panels will be required to consider
those effects as part of the approval process.”

Approved lines from MfE

Statement from Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment
“In August 2024, the joint Ministers received an independent Advisory Group’s report that
assessed the applications against the eligibility criteria in the Bill, and Bill’s purpose.

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“The independent Advisory Group’s report included consideration of a range of factors, including
the significance of each project and its:
•  Size 
•  Scale  
•  Location  
•  Estimated job creation  
•  Economic benefits/contribution to GDP, and   
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•  Overall national and regional significance.  

“The Ministers’ decisions were based on these recommendations, and advice from
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officials. Cabinet confirmed these decisions.   

“The Ministers who decided which projects to list in the Bill were:  

•  Infrastructure, Hon. Chris Bishop  
•  Transport, Hon. Simeon Brown   
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•  Regional Development, Hon. Shane Jones.   

“In August the Government announced its recommendations to make several changes to the Bill.
Three of these were that:

•  Applicants must include information on previous decisions by approving authorities,
including previous court decisions, in their applications for the referring Minister (the
Minister for Infrastructure) to consider.   
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invited parties more time to comment on a proposed project.  

“During the substantive applications process, Expert Panels will make final decisions to approve
or decline projects, and are able to consider recommending conditions to manage potential
environmental effects as part of this process.”

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Additional background information

•  Ministry for the Environment was not involved in the joint Minister’s decision-making
process and is not aware of the reasons projects were considered for inclusion in
Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Bill.
•  (re Q7) Decisions to withdraw from standard resource consenting processes and apply for
consideration for inclusion in the Fast-track Approvals Bill were made by applicants.

Approved lines from Minister Penk’s office:

Statement from Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Land Information
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“In March 2024 South Island Resource Recovery Limited (SIRRL) was granted consent under the
Overseas Investment Act 2005 to purchase land in Waimate for the development of a waste-to-
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energy plant.

“The Minister for Land Information and the Associate Minister of Finance considered the
application and were satisfied it met the investor test and the benefit to New Zealand test.

“The application was processed under the benefit to New Zealand (farm land) and significant
business assets consent pathways. It was also subject to a national interest assessment, and was
determined by the Minister of Finance not to be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest.

“In considering the benefit to New Zealand test, the Minister for Land Information and the
Associate Minister of Finance determined the potential economic benefits likely to occur because
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of the investment were substantial relative to the sensitivity of land being acquired.

“Potential detriments of investments are not considered under the benefit to New Zealand test as
these are generally considered by other regulatory regimes. This consent remains subject to
several conditions, including that SIRRL obtains and complies with all the necessary consents
prior to undertaking the development. These are now set to be considered as part of the proposed
Fast-track Approvals Bill process.”
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Background information on decision-making:
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The decision to grant consent was made by the Minister for Land Information Hon Chris Penk and
Associate Minister of Finance Hon David Seymour, following a decision by Minister Willis on the
national interest criterion.

Minister of Finance Hon Nicola Willis determined the transaction was not contrary to New
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Zealand’s national interest.

The application was called in by the previous Minister for Land Information Hon Damien O’Connor,
and previous Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson.

Ministers may call in a decision where they consider it to be important, and the relevant test
provides for the exercise of Ministerial discretion.


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Te Awamutu waste-to-energy facility – Talking points
•  After considering officials’ advice and my statutory obligations on the matter, I am calling
in the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy facility proposal.
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•  I have referred the proposal to a board of inquiry for a decision
•  There is a high level of public interest in the consent application.
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•  It attracted more than 800 submissions from the local community, non-governmental
organisations and Treaty partners.
•  I decided to call it in given the widespread public interest in the proposal.
•  I also considered concerns raised about the possible impacts of relatively new type of
technology and processes on New Zealand’s environment.
•  I believe calling in the proposal is the best course of action to consider those concerns.
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•  The board will run an independent process to decide on the consent application.
•  It will consider public submissions, hold hearings, deliberate, and make a decision within
a nine-month period.
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Te Awamutu waste to energy facility – Q&A
Decision to call in the application
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Question: Why did you call in the application?
Answer: The Government is working to deliver changes to the resource management system at
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pace. A key objective for this reform work is to deliver better outcomes for economic growth and
development, while also safeguarding the environment and human health, adapting to the
effects of climate change and reducing risk from natural hazards.
In the meantime, I am responsible for the RMA as it stands, as the Minister for the Environment.
I have a general responsibility to monitor the performance of the system and a specific power to
call in for proposals of national significance.
I have decided to call in the resource consent applications for the proposed waste-to-energy
plant in Te Awamutu because there has been widespread public interest and the technology is
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novel to New Zealand. In doing so, I have considered the statutory requirements under the RMA
and related Treaty settlement provisions. Calling it in will ensure that this important consenting

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decision can be made in a timely way that provides certainty for all parties, including the
applicant, Treaty partners, and the wider community.

Question: Why did you refer it to a board of inquiry instead of the Environment Court?
Answer: A board of inquiry has a nine-month timeframe to make a decision. I considered the
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views of the local authorities, the applicant, Treaty partners, and the recommendations of the
Environmental Protection Authority in making my decision to refer it to a board of inquiry.

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Question: How many submissions did councils receive about the proposal? What were they
about?
Answer: Councils received more than 800 submissions on the proposal. Many opposed the
application due to concerns about the effects on the environment. The application has attracted
significant media attention and public protest. I have also received correspondence on this
matter.

Question: What concerns were raised?
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Answer: You can see more information on the EPA website: Te Awamutu waste-to-energy
plant | EPA

Question: What was the view of the applicant and the local council?
Answer: The applicant, Global Consulting Solutions Limited (GCSL), supports a call in, as do
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the local councils and Treaty partners.
You can see more information on the EPA website: Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant | EPA
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Question: When did the council ask for you to call in the application?
Answer: The Waikato Regional Council asked me to call in the application in December 2023
and the Waipā District Council in February 2024.
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This is a complex project with a range of matters to consider including consultation and
engagement.

Question: Did you consider this resource consent application for inclusion in the Fast Track
Approvals Bill?
Answer: As Minister for the Environment, I am responsible for the current Resource
Management Act 1991. GSCL has made an application for resource consent under the RMA.
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As such, I considered my decision to call in this proposal under the RMA.

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Board of inquiry process

Question: What happens next?
Answer: I will appoint members to the board of inquiry. There are statutory requirements and
Treaty settlement arrangements to consider when appointing a board of inquiry. I will progress
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formal appointments through the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee in due course.

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Question: How will the board be set up?
Answer: Board selection is set out in the RMA and there are Treaty Settlement considerations.
I am in the process of appointing the board. The board will be made up of three to five
members, including the chairperson. I will appoint members based on their local knowledge,
understanding of the RMA, expertise relevant to the proposal and knowledge of tikanga Māori.
There are Treaty settlement matters that I must consider in setting up the board of inquiry. I
must consider nominations from the Waikato River Authority and engage with Te Whakakitenga
o Waikato and Te Nehenehenui Trust on the appointment of the board.
Also, I must ensure an equal number of appointees from the Waikato River Authority, as Crown
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appointees.

Question: What is the board’s role?
Answer: The board will be the decision-maker on the consent applications. It will consider
submissions, hold a hearing (unless no one wants to be heard), and make final decisions on the
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matter.
The Environmental Protection Authority provides administrative support services to the board.
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Question: Will the board consider the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change?
Answer: Yes. The effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change can be considered
by the board of inquiry. The Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 enabled a board of
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inquiry to consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions from 1 July 2020.

Question: What are the timeframes?
Answer: The board of inquiry has nine months to make a decision on the proposal. They can
seek an extension from me in special circumstances.

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Question: Will the public get a chance to voice their views?

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Answer: Yes, there will be public notification of these resource consents, and people can make
a submission or be heard on the matter. Information will be on the Environmental Protection
Authority website in due course.

Waste to energy
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Question: What’s the Government’s position on waste to energy?
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Answer: Some forms of waste to energy already exist in New Zealand.
Today, there are a variety of technologies available for converting waste into energy, from
traditional incineration to more advanced methods like gasification and anaerobic digestion.
However, some forms of waste to energy have greater risks associated with them, which need
to be well managed.

Question: Is waste-to-energy technology new to New Zealand?
Answer: There are numerous waste-to-energy plants in operation around the world. However,
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there are no waste-to-energy facilities that incinerate municipal waste as in this proposed
facility. There are concerns about the effects of this technology on New Zealand’s national
standards and environment.

Question: What is happening with the Waimate waste-to-energy proposal and call-in process?
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Answer: This consent has been called in and referred to the Environment Court.

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Question: The Overseas Investment Office recently consented for South Island Resource
Recovery Ltd (aka the Waimate Proposal) to buy a piece of land in South Canterbury. Does this
mean the plant is going to be approved or fast tracked?
Answer: The OIO approval only gives South Island Resource Recovery Limited approval to
purchase the land. It does not give approval to build the proposed plant or fast track the
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resource consent process. Decision-making on the resource consent has been referred to the
Environment Court.
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Draft response to Media Request – Te Awamutu Waste to Energy Plant call in
Request

Context: Energy News editor Adelia Hallett has requested information and a response
about a proposed waste to energy consent application in Te Awamutu. Energy News |
New Zealand Energy Sector.

The applicant, Global Contracting Solutions Limited, wants to build a plant in Te Awamutu to
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incinerate 150,000 tonnes of rubbish annually. This would generate steam for electricity. The fuel,
plant, and rubbish would be trucked in from outside the district.

In December, the Waikato Regional Council – that handles resource consent for discharges to air and
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water in the Waikato region– wrote to Environment Minister Penny Simmonds asking her to ‘call in’
an application for the waste-to-energy plant.

RESPONSE

Q 1: the Minister's response to that request.

I (Minister Simmonds) have received, and I am considering, the request from the Waikato Regional
Council.

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The matter relates to a proposed waste to energy facility in Te Awamutu which would use
approximately 456 tonnes per day of refuse derived fuel (RDF) to produce electricity for the local
and national grid. The facility would produce approximately 131 GWh energy per year.

MfE officials are preparing advice for me on the request and the statutory considerations under the
RMA.
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At this stage, I do not wish to comment further until I have considered that advice.

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Q2:  clarification of the Government's position on the 2022 changes to the RMA that
allowed councils to take greenhouse gas emissions into account.

Officials at the Ministry for the Environment are providing me with advice on this matter in the
context of the request for call-in by Waikato Regional Council. At this stage, I do not wish to
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comment further until I have considered that advice.

The Government has, however outlined a phased approach to resource management system reform.

The first phase saw the repeal of the Natural and Built Environment Act (NBA) and Spatial Planning
Act (SPA) (completed in December 2023).

By March 2024, during ‘phase two’ work, the Government has said it plans to introduce a permanent
‘one-stop-shop' fast-track consenting regime. It also plans to make targeted amendments to the
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RMA and develop or amend existing RMA national direction by late 2024.

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The final phase of work will include assessment of options for wider resource management system
reform. This reform will be based on the enjoyment of property rights, and the need to ensure good
environmental outcomes.

Background information for the Minister’s office

The 2020 RMA amendments required local authorities evaluating resource consents to consider an
activity’s effects on climate change if it discharged greenhouse gases (GHG) – previously they had
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been precluded from doing so under the RMA. Because Te Awamutu Waste to Energy facility
consent applications were lodged before the 2020 RMA amendments came into effect, councils are
unable to consider the effects on climate change in their decision making.

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MfE’s latest guidance for local government on considering of greenhouse gas emissions, in relation
to the Resource Management Act 1991, can be found here: RMA guidance note for local government
on the national adaptation plan and emissions reduction plan | Ministry for the Environment

A request for call in was received in 2022 from Zero Waste Network. The application was not called
in at that time.

If the Minister calls in an application lodged before the 2020 RMA amendments came into effect and
refers it to a Board of Inquiry or the Environment Court, the effects on climate change can be
considered. MfE advice will cover statutory considerations under the RMA and procedural matters.
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https://environment.govt.nz/news/rma-guidance-note-for-local-government-on-the-national-
adaptation-plan-and-emissions-reduction-plan/

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Speech - Zero Waste Aotearoa National Summit 2024
Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment
Monday, 18 November 2024 (15 mins)

Tena koutou katoa.

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A warm welcome to you all.

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I am delighted to be here with you at this year’s Zero Waste Aotearoa National
Summit.

It’s great to see so many people from across the country, coming together to
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find ways to address some of New Zealand’s most pressing waste issues.
Thank you for being present today.
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As I begin, I would like to acknowledge the Board of Trustees of Zero Waste
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Network and Sei [Si] Brown, Acting GM.

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I would also like to recognise my parliamentary colleagues:

Simon Court MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for
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Infrastructure and the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform

Hon Rachel Brooking, MP for Dunedin

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Andy Foster, MP and Kahurangi Carter, MP.

To the organising team, thank you for your commitment and effort in bringing
us together for this Summit today.
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Many of you will no doubt have also been at this year’s WasteMINZ Act
conference back in May.

Today, I can update you on some of the key policy areas I spoke about at that
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event.

As Minister for the Environment, for the past year I have been working on
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ways to achieve the Government’s priorities for waste, contaminated sites, and
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wider environmental issues.

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I understand there are long-standing challenges facing our waste sector.

While these challenges are significant, there are opportunities to make
progress for the wellbeing of our natural world and our communities.
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Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund

Those of you who attended the WasteMINZ conference may recall that one of
my major focuses is remediating contaminated sites, including historic landfills
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vulnerable to weather events.
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Historic landfills and dump sites can become a threat to communities and the
environment.

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They are often at risk of being compromised by storm surges, rainfall events,
high river levels and flooding.

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It is estimated there are hundreds of historic landfills and other contaminated
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sites vulnerable to the effects of severe weather around New Zealand.

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Remediating vulnerable contaminated sites is vital to protecting our
freshwater, soil and marine ecosystems.

No-one wants to see another Fox River landfill event, where a 2019 severe
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storm spread waste along 21 kilometres of riverbed and 51 kilometres of
coastline.

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This is an area that needs more investment, so communities are not stuck
dealing with the aftermath of severe weather events that breach old landfill
sites.

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We need to be tackling this proactively wherever possible, and I know councils
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have been asking for more support.

I am pleased to report that I recently opened the new Contaminated Sites and
Vulnerable Landfills Fund, to support councils in dealing with this unwanted
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legacy.

The new $30 million fund replaces the previous Contaminated Sites
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Remediation Fund.
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It significantly increases the amount of money available to support councils
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and landowners to share the cost of fixing vulnerable landfills and other
contaminated sites each year. 

This means we can be more proactive in working with councils and
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landowners, fixing these sites before they cause a problem.

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Regional, unitary and now also territorial authorities can apply for funding, for
land they own or on behalf of landowners for sites that meet the eligibility
criteria.

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The team at the Ministry for the Environment is working hard to support
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councils with their applications.

Already, there are some significant remediation projects underway across the
country.
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I am delighted to report the remediation project at one of Nelson’s most-loved
spots, Tāhunanui Beach, is well on track.
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You may know that contaminated sawdust from a local timber mill was used as
fill for the raised carpark in the 1960s.
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The Government has supported Nelson City Council to fix this site ahead of
the busy summer season, with more than $3.5 million towards the clean-up.

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Some 6,800 cubic metres of contaminated material – the equivalent of 45 blue
whales –has already been removed, which is a remarkable achievement in
such a short period of time.

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This remediation is a great example of the kinds of projects this fund can
support.

There’s plenty of information on the Ministry for the Environment website for
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anyone who wishes to apply.
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Investing in our future

Another Government priority is to make sure the waste levy is invested to
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achieve the best outcomes for New Zealanders in the most cost-effective way.

The Waste Minimisation Fund recently re-opened, with funding to support
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projects that boost Aotearoa New Zealand’s performance in waste
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minimisation.

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The Waste Minimisation Fund supports industry, councils and other
organisations to play a part in improving how we manage our waste in New
Zealand.

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The latest funding round is targeting infrastructure projects that divert waste
from landfill.

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We are specifically targeting some of the most problematic waste streams –
construction and demolition waste, organic waste, and plastic waste.

The Government recognises that our waste infrastructure needs to catch up.
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Businesses and households need alternatives to landfill disposal, to help
reduce their consumption and emissions related to waste.

We will focus investment on projects that will most benefit the public, and that
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might not otherwise happen without Government intervention.

I encourage anyone who would like to explore Waste Minimisation Fund grants
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to visit the Ministry for the Environment’s website to find out more.
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Tyrewise and other product stewardship schemes
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I’m also pleased to report that as of 1 September, New Zealand’s first national
tyre recycling scheme is fully operational.

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The first priority product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres marks a
significant step toward addressing a long-standing issue for our country.

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Every year, New Zealand imports around 6.5 million tyres.

Of these, only about 40 per cent are recycled, reprocessed or exported.

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The rest often end up in landfills, stockpiles, or are illegally dumped.
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This not only wastes a valuable resource, but it also places a heavy burden on
local communities and councils who are usually left to handle the cleanup.

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Industry has led the co-design of the scheme, known as ‘Tyrewise’, which will
see end-of-life tyres collected, processed and turned into new products.

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With Tyrewise, New Zealanders now have assurance that tyre disposal will be
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responsibly and sustainably managed wherever you are based.

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A tyre stewardship fee funds the scheme, replacing the old system of ad-hoc
disposal fees that many tyre retailers used to charge.

The fee is built into the cost of the newly imported tyres that have entered the
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market from 1 March 2024.

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The tyre stewardship fee is like the disposal charges that New Zealanders
were already paying, but with a crucial difference.

Part of the revenue will now be invested into local infrastructure and into  1982
research for new sustainable uses for end-of-life tyres.
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By collaborating with industry, New Zealand’s first priority product stewardship
scheme is a significant step toward a waste system that protects the
environment.
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Since the scheme became fully operational, close to 900,000 end-of-life tyres
have been collected.
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This is a great achievement, and I congratulate everyone involved in
establishing the tyre product stewardship scheme.
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I know it was many years in the making, and it’s a huge achievement to see it
now in place.

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Work is also underway on other industry-led product stewardship schemes.

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I know sector and industry groups have carried out a vast amount of work
across the product stewardship schemes currently under development.

I want to recognise the ongoing work around the plastic packaging product 1982
stewardship scheme and the draft design that is in the pipeline.
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Others including refrigerants, farm plastics and agrichemical containers are
well advanced in their design.

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I thank all industry players and stakeholders that have been involved in co-
design processes for their work and contribution.

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Cabinet will be considering options to support industry-led product stewardship
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schemes.

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I will be able to give you more information on this in due course.

Kerbside improvements

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I also want to mention an area I’m sure you will be particularly interested in –
future policies for kerbside collections.

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Again, those of you at the WasteMINZ conference will have heard me speak
about this.

Standardising the materials accepted in kerbside recycling collections was a
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first step towards a more effective and efficient recycling system.   Act

I know many of you here played a big part in developing this policy, and I
thank you for your efforts in bringing this significant change about.

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We all understand there is still a lot of work to be done in this area.

I am very pleased to see the establishment of the Recycling Leadership
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Forum, which brings together sector representatives from across the system.
the

The forum will explore some of the challenging kerbside issues including some
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of the items that are no longer accepted in household recycling bins.

I understand the forum is starting to come up with an approach to addressing
these challenges.
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While it’s still early on in their work, I look forward to seeing what the forum
can achieve through this collaboration.

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I know many of you would like to know more about the policy the previous
government announced last year requiring councils to offer food scraps
collections in all urban areas by 2030.
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Please be assured I am working with my officials to provide the sector with
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some certainty as soon as possible.

Plastics
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I want to turn now to a global and pervasive problem that I know is close to
everyone’s hearts.
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the
Plastic is part of our everyday lives.

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Plastics have made major positive contributions to human health and welfare.

But plastic also creates vast volumes of waste, in turn directly affecting our
environment.
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On the international stage, New Zealand is working with the global community
to develop a treaty that aims to end plastic pollution – an ambitious discussion
aimed at tackling plastic pollution on a global scale. 

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New Zealand has been actively engaged in the first four rounds of  Act
negotiations, and later this week our delegation will be departing for the fifth
round of negotiations in Busan, South Korea, with the aim of reaching a final
agreement.

There’s much work being done domestically, too.
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In New Zealand, we are working to reduce our domestic waste and improve
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our recycling.
the

We’re also working to support initiatives to manage hard-to-recycle plastics,
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through Waste Minimisation Fund investments.

In addition, the Government is committed to making sure supply chains take
responsibility for their part in producing waste, including plastic waste.
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This includes working with industry on PVC and polystyrene food and
beverage packaging, and how we can support businesses to continue to shift
away from these hard-to-recycle materials where practicable.

14

I’ll have more information on this in the coming months.

Waste to energy

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I know you will also be interested to hear more about the Government’s view
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on waste to energy.

Today, there are a variety of technologies available for converting waste into
energy.
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These range from traditional incineration to more advanced methods like
gasification and anaerobic digestion plants like the Ecogas Reporoa facility
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near Rotorua, which is also working towards decarbonising New Zealand’s gas
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supply.

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Some forms of waste to energy already exist in New Zealand.

With support from the Waste Minimisation Fund, Golden Bay Cement has
been able to reduce coal use through converting to alternative fuels such as
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tyres and waste wood.

15

Bioenergy has a key role to play in decarbonising New Zealand’s economy
and we’re likely to see more of this in the future.

Some forms of waste to energy have greater risks associated with them, which
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need to be well managed.
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I’ll touch briefly on two waste-to-energy proposals I’m aware many of you are
following.

The Minister for the Environment may ‘call in’ the decision
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-making process for
resource consents that relate to a ‘proposal of national significance’.

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You may be aware that after considering officials’ advice and my statutory
the
obligations on the matter, in August I ‘called in’ the Te Awamutu waste-to-
energy facility proposal.
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I have referred the proposal to a board of inquiry for a decision.

The consent application attracted more than 800 submissions from the local
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community, non-governmental organisations and Treaty partners.

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I decided to call it in given the widespread public interest in the proposal, and
the concerns raised about the possible impacts of relatively new type of
technology and processes on New Zealand’s environment.

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I believe calling in the proposal is the best course of action to consider those
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concerns.

The board will run an independent process to decide on the consent
application.
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It will consider public submissions, hold hearings, deliberate, and make a
decision within a nine-month period.
Official

the
I also want to give you an update on the Waimate waste-to-energy proposal.

You’ll also be aware the pre
under vious Environment Minister called in this consent
and referred it to the Environment Court.

You may also be aware the Waimate waste-to-energy proposal was one of the
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149 projects released for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast-
track Approvals Bill.

17

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that all projects listed in Schedule
2 of the Bill, once it is passed into law, will still be required to apply to an
expert panel for their approvals.

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While the Bill process is faster than standard processes, the panel is still
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required to assess the environmental impacts of the project.

If the panel decides to grant an application, they can also recommend
conditions to ensure adverse effects of the project on the environment are
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managed appropriately.

The Environmental Protection Authority will manage this process.
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the
More information about all projects in the consent process will be made
available in due course on the EPA’s website.
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Waste legislation

The last thing I want to update you on is my intentions with waste legislation
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reform.

Those of you who attended WasteMINZ may recall me discussing this in May.

18

You’ll be aware the previous government announced their plans to review New
Zealand’s waste legislation, to make sure it gives us the tools we need to
address our waste issues.
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You may also be aware that I plan to continue this work.

As I have previously said, my intent is to reform the Waste Minimisation Act
2008 and Litter Act 1979 to ensure we have waste legislation that gives us
more options and flexibility to reduce and manage waste.
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There are ways to improve our waste legislation to make it more effective.
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the
Examples of this include:

Adjustments to how waste levy
under  funds are allocated amongst councils, shifting
from a fully population-based formula in recognition of the fixed costs and
scale challenges faced by smaller councils

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Options for councils to spend their share of the levy on a wider range of waste
and environmental priorities

19

Creating a compliance regime that enables us to regulate in a flexible and
proportionate way

A framework for ‘extended producer responsibility’, an environmental policy
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approach in which a producer’s responsibility for a product is extended to the
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post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle, and

Repealing the Litter Act 1979 and incorporating its provisions into the Waste
Minimisation Act for effective enforcement tools and better cost recovery
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mechanisms for littering and dumping of waste.

I am considering advice from officials on options and timings for this reform
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and I will be able to update you on this in the coming months.
the

Conclusion
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In closing, I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this summit, and I wish you
all the best in your discussions ahead.

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Thank you.

From: 9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 14 March 2025 12:32 PM
1982
To: Christopher Luxon <[email address]>
Cc: Barbara Kuriger <[email address]>; Susan O'Regan <Susan.O'[email address]>; Dale-Maree
Morgan <[email address]>; Mike Montgomerie <[email address]>; Lou Brown
<[email address]>; Sally Whitaker <[email address]>; Chris Gardner <[email address]>;
Act
Teawamutu.nsp <[email address]>; Mark Chrisp <[email address]>; Chris Hipkins
<[email address]>; New Zealand Herald <[email address]>; [email address]; Penny Simmonds
(MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Waste to energy incinerator- “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”
Hi Chris
Asking for your help to fix what has in my opinion become an absolute shambles. Whilst courting foreign
investors please spare a thought for existing investors with a vested interest in our people our country and our
economy beyond a $ return on our capital.
Our local government needs your help- we / they are already face challenging times and the actual cost as well as
Information
the opportunity cost of opposing the ludicrous proposal to build an incinerator next to our homes, schools,
businesses, internationally important food processing plants including Fonterra and Manuka Health is hurting
the council (ultimately ratepayers) and businesses. It is taking capital and focus away from Councils, businesses
and residents core activities.
We genuinely believe, alongside experts commissioned by Waikato Regional Council, that waste to energy
incineration does not make sense in a NZ context and it certainly doesn’t make sense in this location.
Official
We believe waste to energy incineration is our generations “nuclear energy “ decision and needs to be considered
at a national level and not locally- I urge you to put a moratorium on waste to energy incinerators before this
does even more economic damage to our community and the national economy.
the
Everyone appears to be hiding behind the process but given the significance of this and the economic damage
alone , not forgetting the health, environmental and social impacts, this should be enough for the government to
take immediate action.
I appreciate the acknowledgment from your team of my previous correspondence but would love the opportunity
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to discuss this in person and or get an acknowledgment that you will do something about this subject sooner
rather than later - say yes to us, Fonterra, Manuka Health,Waipa District council getting on with our core
business and no to these idiots that want to wreck our economy, health and environment
As residents and business owners we are ratepayers, taxpayers (GST, PAYE, ACC, income tax ect) and we are
very disappointed in the lack of support from central government with regards our economic and overall
wellbeing - instead of criticising local government why not show some leadership and get in behind Waipa
District council who are trying to act in the best interests of its community and the businesses like Fonterra and
Manuka Health who are nationally important.
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I would urge you to consider putting this moratorium in place sooner rather than later.
Regards
9(2)(a)

Get Outlook for iOS
From: 9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 8:49:59 PM
To: Christopher Luxon <[email address]>
Cc: Barbara Kuriger <[email address]>; Susan O'Regan <Susan.O'[email address]>; Dale-Maree
Morgan <[email address]>; Mike Montgomerie <[email address]>; Lou Brown
<[email address]>; Sally Whitaker <[email address]>; Chris Gardner <[email address]>;
Teawamutu.nsp <[email address]>; Mark Chrisp <[email address]>; Chris Hipkins
<[email address]>; [email address] <[email address]>;
[email address] <[email address]>; [email address] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Waste to energy incinerator- “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”
1982

Hi Chris

Thought you might be interested to know that from my checks this looks like the jokers who are trying to get a
consent to build an incinerator for this type of rubbish next to Fonterra plant, Manuka Health , Te Awamutu College
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, our homes and our businesses.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-fire-crews-tackle-large-blaze-at-papakura-scrap-metal-
yard/QOEGQMCN6BEBBDN2R6V3YQS5NE/

Surely you could put a moratorium on WtE until it's been reviewed at a national level.

regards
9(2)(a)

Get Outlook for iOS
From: 9(2)(a)
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2025 5:26:47 PM
To: Christopher Luxon <[email address]>
Information
Cc: Barbara Kuriger <[email address]>; Susan O'Regan <Susan.O'[email address]>; Dale-Maree
Morgan <[email address]>; Mike Montgomerie <[email address]>; Lou Brown
<[email address]>; Sally Whitaker <[email address]>; Chris Gardner <[email address]>;
Teawamutu.nsp <[email address]>; Mark Chrisp <[email address]>; Chris Hipkins
<[email address]>; [email address] <[email address]>;
[email address] <[email address]>
Subject: Waste to energy incinerator- “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”

Official

Dear Prime Minister

the
I am a local resident and business owner with interests  in sheep, bees, dairy cattle, grazing, building, property
development, and property investment and I believe our family have contributed significantly to the local and
national community and economy over the years  however I am currently very disappointed in the way in which
our community and our companies are suffering as a result of the Waste to Energy Proposal -  to take  a quote
from an earlier submission “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”

On 17 August 2024, the Minister for the Environment “called in” the resource consent application for the
under
Incinerator- This means it will be decided as a proposal of national significance under the Resource Management
Act 1991 (RMA).

At todays pre hearing EPA meeting I understood that the board of inquiry does not have the authority to
commission or request the applicant supplies comprehensive independent reviews / reports for all of the impacts
highlighted in the submissions and all of the issues raised by councils and other authorities even though this is
not a permitted activity under the current district plan.  For example the key issues raised by Waipa DC,Fonterra,
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Board, FENZ, Tainui and even my own submission:

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https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/proposal/NSP000048/Key-Issues-reports-manual/Waipa-District-
Council-Key-Issues-Report-1-November-2024.pdf

In addition other areas for independent reporting would include:

● Hazardous substances
● Risk, likelihood and consequences including fire, explosion and floods

● Economic development and impact locally and nationally as highlighted by Fonterra
● Human health
● Land and water contamination including the management of collected /used contaminated water
● Climate change and impacts
● Air quality

My question is how do we expect the BoI to make an informed decision on something of such local and national
significance without this information?

I appreciate that there is a process to follow but as the leader of our country I am asking you if you are prepared
to step in and review this as the potential impacts and risks to our country highlighted by Waipa DC,Fonterra,
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FENZ and Tainui and hundreds of other submissions are massive and in my opinion something that warrants
intervention.

To me this is more important than whether or not classic cars get warranted every 6 months or every year and
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deserves a comprehensive review and a national strategy.

Happy to discuss anytime and look forward to a positive response that puts an end to this ludicrous proposal so
we can all get on with helping to turn the economy around and improving everyone’s quality of life.

Regards
9(2)(a)

Information
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the
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