Northlanders fight user-pays rubbish policy

Northlanders in remote areas are fighting local government efforts to close waste transfer stations.

The Far North District Council introduced a user-pays rubbish scheme four years ago that some residents say has led to rubbish being dumped on public land.

The council plans to close the transfer station at Pipiwai, 40km northwest of Whangarei, in February after being persuaded by residents not to shut it down next month.

Orchardist Andrew Blake is worried people will drop rubbish in ditches. "They don't have any money so they can't afford $1.40 per bag."

The council had planned to close Pipiwai, Pakotai, Langs Beach, Waipu, Whananaki and Matapouri transfer stations in October as part of a push to reduce rubbish at landfills.

- NZPA