“Over the past year and a half, I’ve been focused on delivering the government’s priorities for waste, contaminated sites, and broader environmental challenges,” Ms. Simmonds stated.
The government is working on replacing outdated legislation related to waste minimization and litter, with new laws to be introduced before the next general election. Efforts to improve recycling, reduce plastics use, and recycle materials not currently accepted by kerbside collection schemes are also underway.
The WasteMINZ conference shed light on the significant amount of industrial waste generated, with only a small percentage being recycled. Ms. Simmonds highlighted the need for a national soils management framework to address these issues and reduce landfill overuse.
The government has also established an emergency waste fund to assist with waste management during disasters. However, challenges remain, such as the removal of the 2025 deadline to phase out PVC and polystyrene packaging.
In other news, the triennial Youth Parliament is set to take place, with Youth MPs from the South already selected. This event provides a platform for young people to engage in debates and committee hearings, offering a unique and inspiring experience for all involved.
Overall, Ms. Simmonds’ speech at the Waste Minimisation conference highlighted both progress and challenges in environmental management, demonstrating the government’s commitment to sustainability.
