Media Response: Rodney Times / Stuff

Answers to questions

What is the current situation with the landfill's resource consent?

We are continuing work on our application, and are aiming to lodge with Auckland Council in
April. As per the consenting process, once council receives our application they will seek advice
from their technical experts to ensure the application has all the information that is required.
Once this stage is complete, council will notify the public.

As we have done throughout this process, we will be notifying the community through our
website and our email updates when we do lodge our consent application. We will also
advise notification dates once these are known. Anyone interested in the landfill is welcome
to register for these updates on our website at wastemanagement.co.nz/arl

Has Waste Management purchased the Matariki Forest site?
As previously announced, Waste Management obtained Overseas Investment Office
approval for the purchase of the land identified for the proposed landfill which included land
on the current Matariki Forest site, as well as the purchase of the Springhill Estate. Waste
Management has taken ownership of Springhill Estate and intends to take ownership of the
Matariki Forest land at the conclusion of the consent process.
There has been no change to this situation since that announcement.

Have any other sites been considered for the landfill?

Before Waste Management obtained Overseas Investment Office approval we considered a
number of sites, searching throughout the Auckland region north of the bridge. The site
chosen, on current Matariki Forest land, behind Wayby and Dome Valley was identified as
the most appropriate site for the proposal. We have not investigated alternative sites since
this approval was obtained.

Has Waste Management adapted its approach for the landfill because of feedback
from residents at the open days?
We are continuing to consult as we finalise our documentation for the resource consenting
process. The feedback and questions from the consultation with the community have been
considered as part of our application.

Has Waste Management been approached by the association about its idea to
alleviate some of the forecasted 300+ trips by Waste Management vehicles on SH1
with use of railway lines?
Waste Management has read the MERRA proposal and also met with MERRA to further
discuss the concept of waste by rail for the proposed Auckland Regional Landfill.
If Kiwirail determined progress with new infrastructure, waste by rail is an option Waste
Management would consider. At this stage, though, while there is considerable uncertainty
regarding this option, Waste Management’s consent application must be based on the
current transport options available. We will continue to maintain flexibility to consider rail in
future if and when it is available.

Has Waste Management had any communication with KiwiRail about making use of
the Northern Rail Line for rubbish transfer? Is this an option?
Waste Management has had discussions with Kiwirail regarding waste by rail for the
proposed landfill. Currently, infrastructure will not enable movement of waste by rail. That
said, Kiwirail have agreed there is potential for waste by rail if infrastructure is upgraded.

This may happen should the relocation of the Ports of Auckland to Northport occur, as that
would also require the local Wellsford transfer infrastructure to be upgraded.
Waste Management have previously trialled waste by rail from Thames/Coromandel to
Redvale Landfill and Energy Park. In addition, we considered expanding this to regional
areas, including Gisborne, New Plymouth and others. Unfortunately, it was not viable for
various reasons.

Therefore, at present we are proposing transport by road for the proposed landfill supported
by the use of a bin exchange area.
If waste by rail becomes available in the future, Waste Management would consider it as an
option.