Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) yesterday adopted a new Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) at its public meeting in Wānaka following targeted stakeholder engagement, comprehensive public consultation and a detailed review of submissions.
The WMMP provides a strategic direction for reducing waste and promotes sustainable resource management in Queenstown Lakes District. Each week, around 960 tonnes of waste go to Victoria Flats Landfill, much of which could be diverted through better systems, informed choices, and community engagement. The new WMMP details how QLDC and the community can work together to reduce waste, cut emissions, and move toward a circular economy.
Public consultation on the draft WMMP ran through June, with a Hearing Panel reviewing both written and oral submissions in July. A total of 68 submissions were received, leading the panel to recommend several amendments to the draft plan, which were incorporated into the final WMMP and formally endorsed by Councillors.
Key updates include a future kerbside organics collection, stronger measures to tackle construction and demolition waste, clearer commitments to community partnerships and the visitor sector and greater alignment with circular economy and climate goals. The 2025 Plan also strengthens monitoring, data collection, and infrastructure investment to support long-term waste reduction across the district.
"We are lucky to have such passionate and proactive community groups to partner with and have worked hard to reflect their input throughout the WMMP. This plan provides a clear and practical framework to guide our efforts in reducing waste, improving resource recovery and collaborating with local stakeholders," said Councillor Cody Tucker, Chair of the WMMP Hearing Panel.
The updated WMMP provides a long-term framework to support waste minimisation practices and shift our district's waste story from 'production, consumption and disposal' to one where we keep resources in use and add value for our people and environment.