Transport Sector – Transporting New Zealand backs speed limit changes

January 29, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has welcomed today’s Government announcement reversing speed limit reductions on 38 sections of the state highway network, saying the changes will reduce journey times and help avoid dangerous behaviour by frustrated drivers.

Speed limits on 49 further sections of state highway will be put out for public consultation to allows local communities to have their say on whether to revert to previous speed limits.

Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the changes reflect the Government’s more balanced approach to speed management, taking a cost-benefit approach to speed limit setting.

“Our members have been frustrated by blanket speed reductions around the country over the past four years that did not adequately consider the impact of increased journey times, dangerous overtaking and tailgating by frustrated drivers, and increased freight costs for businesses and consumers and we’ve made these points consistently to road controlling authorities across the country.

“We’re pleased to see the programme of speed limit reversals getting underway, as directed by the Government’s Setting of Speed Limits 2024 Land Transport Rule.”

Kalasih says that while appropriate speed limits play a vital role in road safety, they need to be considered alongside good roading design and effective enforcement.

“It is crucial that Government continues to invest in adequate maintenance, roading improvements, and effective enforcement of RIDS (restraints, impairment, distraction and speed).

“Speed limit setting is only one key element of supporting road safety and reducing our road toll.”

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

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Economy – Reserve Bank NZ speech: Beyond the cycle – Growth and interest rates in the long run

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

29 January 2025 – In a speech delivered today, Reserve Bank Chief Economist Paul Conway discussed New Zealand’s longer-term ‘potential output’ and its significance for monetary policy.

“Understanding potential output is crucial for assessing whether the economy is running too hot or too cold from an inflation control perspective and for gauging medium-term growth prospects,” Mr Conway says.

Mr Conway also outlined the Reserve Bank’s assessment of the ‘neutral interest rate’, which shapes expectations for where the OCR will tend to move over time, in the absence of economic shocks.

The speech goes beyond the business cycle to explore New Zealand’s long-term economic challenges and key factors influencing future growth – including productivity growth. It also explores drivers behind changes in New Zealand’s neutral interest rate.

Key insights from the speech include:

In the absence of future shocks, economic activity in New Zealand will tend towards the level of potential output, as pandemic-related disruptions fade. Likewise, without future shocks, the OCR will tend towards the neutral interest rate.
Over the next few years, with declining inward migration and weak productivity growth, potential output growth is likely to be modest. This will set a modest ‘speed limit’ on how fast the economy can grow without generating excess inflation pressure.
Unlocking higher investment and productivity growth is key to raising potential output growth and improving per capita incomes. This would also reduce the likelihood of negative recessionary economic growth during future periods of restrictive monetary policy.
Reserve Bank estimates suggest that the neutral interest rate has fallen over recent decades, given weak productivity growth and aging populations. Our research suggests that this decline may be reversing and that the long-term nominal neutral interest rate currently lies between 2.5% and 3.5%.

Background notes

What is potential output?
Potential output is the level of goods and services the economy can sustainably supply without generating excess inflation or disinflation. It depends on the supply of inputs – capital and labour – and how productively they are combined to produce output. For example, if there are more people available to work, more capital to use, or better ways of doing things, then potential output increases.

What is the neutral interest rate?
The nominal neutral interest rate is the level of the Official Cash Rate (OCR) consistent with inflation being sustainably at target and the economy running at its potential output. Without future shocks, the neutral interest rate indicates where the OCR is likely to settle to keep inflation at the 2% target midpoint.

More information

Read the speech: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2920e70068&e=f3c68946f8
Watch the speech: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=e1dd2a8aa0&e=f3c68946f8

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Saving threatened seabird from rising sea levels

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 29 January 2025

Johannes Fischer, Department of Conservation Senior Science Advisor, says climate change impacts have the potential to wipe out the Whenua Hou diving petrel – a small seabird with cobalt blue feet that’s “like a flying penguin”.

“Their entire population breeds in the fragile sand dunes of Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, up to 20 m from the high tide line. Rising seas levels and increasingly frequent storms will eventually destroy their habitat on Whenua Hou. Over the last 10 years, 20% of the dune front has already gone,” Johannes says.

On 31 December 2024, 15 Whenua Hou diving petrel chicks were transferred from Whenua Hou to their new home. This is the first of five transfers over the next five years to move a total of 75 chicks – the number considered sufficient to build a new colony without causing any long-term impact to the Whenua Hou colony.

“Before humans arrived in New Zealand, Whenua Hou diving petrels bred all over the southern South Island and there were millions on Stewart Island/Rakiura. But until the recent transfer, they had reduced to a single population on Whenua Hou of just 210 individuals,” Johannes says.

Two years ago, mana whenua, DOC, fishers, the fishing industry, and Environment Southland developed an action plan to restore the petrels, which advised a second population at a new site was needed.

The group worked through a range of possible sites and identified an undisclosed, predator-free location within Whenua Hou diving petrel’s historic range as the best possible option.

All work is done in partnership with the Whenua Hou Committee (the advisory committee to the Minister of Conservation on the management of Whenua Hou), Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka, and Ngāi Tahu whānui.

Johannes says timing was crucial and the transfer had to take place roughly a week before the chicks fledged, before their homing instinct for Whenua Hou was developed.

“We hand-reared the chicks at their new home, and the last chicks fledged on 12 January 2025. Next season, we will translocate another 15 birds.”

“We expect the first group of translocated chicks to return to their new home as adults in October 2026. We’ll keep an eye out in anticipation.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Health and Tech – Essential medical imaging services now more accessible in the Bay of Plenty

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: RHCNZ

RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group is excited to announce that Bay Radiology’s new flagship clinic on 17th Avenue in Tauranga is now fully open. Phase One of the clinic, which includes Bay Radiology’s first PET-CT scanner, opened in September 2024. Phase Two opened last week, completing this state-of-the-art facility. The new purpose-built clinic is designed to future-proof medical imaging services for Bay of Plenty residents.

Spanning over 3,000 square metres, this extensive clinic is the largest medical imaging clinic in New Zealand. It is equipped with the latest technology including a high-tech Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scanner as well as state-of-the-art MRI, CT, x-ray and ultrasound equipment. The clinic offers a comprehensive range of medical imaging services to meet the community’s needs, including interventional radiology, mammography and fluoroscopy.

Managing Radiologist for Bay Radiology, Dr Kunaal Rajpal, emphasises that removing barriers to patients accessing healthcare has become a key focus for Bay Radiology.

“Equity of access to healthcare for people living in regional New Zealand is an issue that concerns all healthcare providers, so we are proud to be able to provide better access to high quality imaging locally.”

Dr Rajpal adds

“Our radiologists have a wide range of sub-specialities including Musculoskeletal, Interventional, Breast, Body Imaging, Oncology, Neuroradiology, Abdominal, and Head and Neck Imaging. Patients can feel confident knowing that if the need arises, highly specialised expertise is right on their doorstep.”

A phased design enabled some parts of the building to be safely used while other parts were still under construction. Consequently, Bay Radiology commenced their PET-CT scanning last September. This advanced technology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Nicola Daisley, Regional Manager, notes

“Since opening in September our PET-CT team have delivered diagnostic results for over 100 patients, enabling their lead care specialists to provide the best possible health-care treatment plans. We are delighted to now be offering a full suite of modalities from one central and easily accessible location, streamlining the diagnostic process for our community.”

RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group CEO Terry McLaughlin says that this new clinic, strategically located in Tauranga, is a significant step in supporting the healthcare needs of the Bay of Plenty community.

“Our 17 th Ave clinic is the heart of our Bay Radiology operations, providing patients access to the full suite of medical imaging services in one convenient location. Bay Radiology has been supporting the local community with their healthcare needs for over 30 years. We look forward to at least another 30 years of better health outcomes for Bay and Eastern Bay of Plenty residents,” said Mr. McLaughlin.

A traditional blessing ceremony for 17 th Ave was held on Friday, 20 December 2024. The ceremony was led by local Iwi leader Tamati Tata of Ngati Ranginui and attended by staff members and the building’s architects.

Conveniently located in central Tauranga, the clinic is adjacent to Tauranga Hospital, easily accessible from medical centres and specialist consulting rooms and is on main public transport routes.

BAY RADIOLOGY is the Bay of Plenty’s leading radiology provider with 9 clinics in Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa, Katikati, Matamata and Whakatane. Bay Radiology offers MRI, CT, PET CT, interventional radiology, ultrasound, pregnancy ultrasound, x-ray, mammography, fluoroscopy and PRP services.

RHCNZ MEDICAL IMAGING GROUP is New Zealand’s leading private radiology provider with over 140 specialist radiologists working in 74+ clinics nationwide. This New Zealand owned company operates 3 longstanding brands – Auckland Radiology Group, Bay Radiology and Pacific Radiology Group. RHCNZ stands for Radiology Holding Company New Zealand.

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Ombudsman – Scheme to publish quarterly figures on bank complaints

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

29 January 2025 – Consumers will now have a better picture of banking problems following the Banking Ombudsman Scheme’s decision to begin publishing quarterly reports on the cases it receives.

The reports, the first of which was published last week, share insights about cases received by the scheme. They provide a breakdown of cases by bank, the proportion of complaints and disputes received by banks relative to their market share, top problem areas and products, the time taken to resolve disputes, compensation paid, and other insights gleaned from the data.

Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said the reports would shine a spotlight on the scheme’s performance, but also introduce more transparency and accountability into the banking sector.

“Information is power, and the more information customers have, the more they can make informed choices about whether to make a complaint, and what to expect if they do.”

Ms Sladden said the reports would provide more timely and detailed data than that contained in summarised form in the scheme’s annual reports. They would also help inform and educate consumers, as well as supplement information found on the scheme’s complaints dashboard, which compiles data from banks about the number and types of complaints received by banks.

The quarterly report, for the period of October to December 2024, shows the scheme received 1,429 cases, including 938 complaints and 50 disputes. Complaints were down 11 per cent and disputes down 24 per cent on the previous quarter, although mainly for seasonal reasons.

Scam-related complaints continued to feature prominently, making up a fifth of all complaints. Phishing and information harvesting scams were the biggest contributors. Complaints about unsuccessful hardship applications fell, but complaints about internet banking more than doubled, largely as a result of technical malfunctions and outages.

Almost 6 per cent of complaints escalated to disputes, which was down on the previous quarter’s figure of 16 per cent. Scam-related disputes fell 36 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and 63 per cent of such complaints for the financial year to date have been resolved partly or fully in favour of the customer – compared with 52 per cent for all types of disputes.

During the quarter, banks reimbursed or paid compensation of $339,961 to customers who sought the scheme’s help to resolve their complaint, down from $591,703 for the previous quarter.

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Universities – Forests of protected red coral filmed for first time off Fiordland’s coast – VIC

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Researchers exploring the deep waters off the Fiordland coast have caught on camera marine communities that have never been filmed before. These communities include a protected species of red coral that has not previously been seen in such large numbers.

“We were filming at depths of 80 to 130 metres and found amazing marine communities. The most incredible find—unlike anything we have seen elsewhere—was about 4 kilometres north of the entrance to Doubtful Sound/Patea. On the ocean floor, we saw forests of bright red coral,” said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The coral species, Errina novaezelandiae, is commonly known as red coral, although it is not a true coral but a related animal called a hydrocoral.

The discovery of the red coral forests was made while the researchers were working on a project to explore and map marine life in Fiordland’s deep waters. They were working on board the Department of Conservation (DOC) vesselSouthern Winds.

“We’ve been exploring these deep reefs in Fiordland for many years, but we’re rarely able to work on the open coast outside the fiords because of the weather. On our most recent trip in January, the weather was finally on our side,” said Professor Bell.

Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the research team collected video footage of reefs at depths of greater than 100 metres in areas that have not previously been filmed.

“We’ve deployed the ROV more than 100 times in deep waters around New Zealand, but we have not seen communities like those we found off the open coast outside Doubtful Sound/Patea. In other parts of the country, we usually find reefs at these depths are dominated by sponges. In this area off the Fiordland coast, red corals dominated. The water was also incredibly clear down at 100 m and we could see the reef from a distance of about 30 to 40 m,” he said.

Red corals are known to live in some places inside the fiords and are considered to be associated with the sheltered fiord conditions. The population discovered around the open coast was distinguished by its massive size, with tens of thousands of corals seen.

Video footage of the reefs shows numerous red corals, along with a range of other animals including larger black corals. Both red and black corals are protected species under the Wildlife Act.

These coral forests play a key role in maintaining habitat diversity, supporting many fish and crayfish species, said Professor Bell.

“Filming the animals that live on these deep-water reefs provides us with more information about the extraordinary biodiversity in our seas. This information is crucial to decisions about the use and protection of our marine environment. While much of Fiordland’s inland waters are protected, this is not the case for the open coast. In fact, most deep-water reefs around Aotearoa are not protected in marine reserves,” he said.

The research was supported by the George Mason Charitable Trust and DOC’s conservation services programme. DOC also provided logistical support.

Richard Kinsey, a DOC senior ranger who was on the trip, said: “It is exciting when you get to put the ROV into places you can rarely access as it gives insights into a completely different part of the fiord ecosystem. You just never know what you are going to find. For DOC, increasing our understanding of where these protected species are helps us to understand the potential threats to them.”

DOC senior science advisor Lyndsey Holland added: “Our understanding of protected coral distribution in Fiordland is dominated by black corals. Other protected corals in the area haven’t been studied as extensively, so this finding is a breakthrough. We do know that New Zealand boasts a diverse array of cold-water corals offshore, so this discovery validates the need to survey and monitor Fiordland corals so we can best protect them.”

Video footage of the deep-water reefs off Fiordland is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mxS4RaYXiI

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Business and Renewables – Fonterra announces electrification plans to future-proof operations

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Fonterra

Fonterra is taking another significant step toward its climate goals and operational resilience with $150 million in investments in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months.

Investments into electric boilers at the Co-operative’s Whareroa, Edgecumbe and Waitoa sites, along with further fleet decarbonisation, marks further steps in renewable energy supporting the Co-operative’s sustainability targets* while future-proofing operations.

Fonterra aims to build enduring, cost-efficient assets while enhancing energy security across its manufacturing operations and ensuring a sustainable energy supply.

Fonterra’s Chief Operating Officer, Anna Palairet, says the investments are a significant step for the Co-operative’s future operations.

“Last year we turned off the last coal boiler in the North Island, meaning manufacturing operations in the North Island are now coal-free. These investments are the next step in creating enduring assets that are fit for the future, as we look to reduce our reliance on gas.

“Choosing the right energy solutions is about striking a balance between affordability, security of energy supply and reducing our environmental footprint, and the new electric boilers are crucial to navigating this challenge.”

“These electrification projects are at the heart of ensuring efficient operations with a reliable energy supply for our manufacturing sites and to support the long-term sustainability of our business. It also represents a commitment to our farmer owners that we are building a resilient, future-ready Co-operative.”

Investments announced are:

Whareroa: The site will undergo a staged energy transformation with the first stage including the installation of two electrode boilers. The $64 million investment is expected to reduce the site’s annual emissions by an estimated 51,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 21,000 cars from New Zealand roads – and contribute a 3% reduction** towards Fonterra’s overall 2030 Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target.

Edgecumbe: The site will transition from the use of steam and electricity generated through a co-generation plant, to a reliable source of renewable energy with the installation of a new electrode boiler. The $57 million investment is expected to reduce the site’s annual emissions by an estimated 28,000 tonnes – equivalent to removing around 11,000 cars from New Zealand roads – and contribute a 1.5% reduction** towards Fonterra’s overall 2030 Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target and reduce the Co-op’s overall natural gas reliance by approximately 8%***.

Waitoa and Waitoa UHT: Following the closure of its last coal boiler in November 2024, the Co-op is investing a further $18 million in installing two Resistive Element Boilers to boost heat production, while providing a secure and reliable energy source allowing for future growth in UHT processing.

Fleet decarbonisation: The next step in looking for more economical solutions for the future includes a pilot of six EV tankers and associated infrastructure later in the year, expected to provide an approximately 60% annual reduction in fuel costs per tanker, along with environmental benefits.

*The Co-operative’s target is 50.4% absolute reduction of Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.

** From a 2018 baseline.

*** An approximate 8% reduction from the Co-op’s average annual natural gas usage from FY23 and FY24.

About Fonterra

Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.

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Health – $500k vape kit deal ‘reeks of tobacco tactics’ – Asthma Foundation

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

The Government has forked out more than half a million dollars on vapes to help adults quit smoking – despite these products not being approved for smoking cessation.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ can reveal that the Government bought 3000 RELX Essential Vape Devices for $575,000 to help achieve its Smokefree 2025 goal.

The vapes are provided for free to some smokers trying to quit – but the Foundation says it has serious concerns not just about their effectiveness but also about the lack of consultation, the purchase process, and quality control.

Health NZ told the Foundation there was no tender process for the free vape kits as it purchased the vapes from a New Zealand company, which it says is “compliant with all relevant regulations”.

RELX vaping products are produced by vaping and e-cigarette giant, RELX International, which has its headquarters in China.

Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says regardless of whether this is in the combustible form or the vape form, this whole process reeks of tobacco tactics.

“Public health policy must be guided by evidence and transparency, not behind-closed-door deals.”

It is unclear whether an analysis of these products has been performed to ensure that nicotine levels are as labelled and that they contain no harmful substances, Ms Harding says.

The nicotine content of the vapes are 28.5mg/ml – the maximum level available to purchase legally in NZ. Health NZ says the flavours on offer are watermelon, tobacco and mint.

Health NZ’s advice to stop smoking practitioners is that vaping devices should be provided to those who have previously made quit attempts using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or prescription medications.

However, in individual cases, after an assessment has been conducted, providers may use their discretion to provide clients with a vaping device.

Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says there are already evidence-based, medically approved products that we know have gone through robust clinical trials and are available in New Zealand to help people quit smoking.

“Who will take responsibility if people suffer adverse effects from these unapproved devices?

“These vapes have been sent to smoking cessation providers to give to their clients, but Medsafe has not approved them to ensure their safety.”

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Kennards Hire Expands Sound Sensitivity Initiative to Forsyth Barr Stadium

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Kennards Hire

Forsyth Barr Stadium is taking a strong step towards making events more sensory-inclusive and enjoyable for everyone attending, by proudly unveiling the Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Station – the first of its kind at a major venue in the South Island. This initiative reflects the stadium’s ongoing commitment to creating a sensory-friendly environment for major events.

The new station at Forsyth Barr Stadium will be making its debut just in time for the action-packed Freestyle Kings Motorcross show on January 31, 2025. The station will provide free, self-service earplugs, enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of sporting events, concerts, and other live events. To ensure prime accessibility, the station will be located on Level 2, as attendees exit the elevators and go through the doors to the concourse. It will be a permanent fixture at the stadium, restocked ahead of all major events.

Following the successful launch of the first Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Stations at Eden Park in March of last year, this new installation at Forsyth Barr Stadium marks another big step towards greater sensory inclusion for Kiwis attending major events. The Eden Park stations have already dispensed over 5,500 pairs of free earplugs since their launch, highlighting the importance, and popularity, of the service for people with sound sensitivity, as well the growing mainstream adoption of earplugs for hearing protection with all eventgoers.

Over-stimulation to noise, particularly in higher sound intensive areas of stadiums such as front-of-stage, is a common trigger for sound sensitive individuals. One survey among Kiwi adults found that 10% of its participants were moderately or highly sensitive to noise. Moreover, the overall prevalence of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) among children – including heightened sensitivity to loud sounds – is estimated at 6.2%. By reducing the auditory impact, fans can more comfortably enjoy the full spectrum of events offered at the stadium.

The idea for these stations originated from the personal experiences of Kennards Hire team member and mum, Kimberley White, whose teenage son grappled with managing his sensitivity to sound when attending a major pop concert a couple years ago. This motivated Kimberley and the team at Kennards Hire to pursue a solution that would benefit others in similar situations.

“Given Kennards Hire is a business anchored in safety, we wanted to help ensure that individuals like my son, who face challenges with loud environments, don’t have to miss out on enjoying events due to noise sensitivity. Since we first developed this concept, it’s been fantastic to see more venues jumping on board and committing to the initiative,” Kimberley said.

Forsyth Barr Stadium Commercial Manager Rachael Jenkins said, “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Kennards Hire in installing the new sound station at Forsyth Barr Stadium. It’s crucial for us to ensure that our attendees feel included and engaged when they visit our stadium. This collaboration is a step toward enhancing that experience, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all.”

Kennards Hire New Zealand General Manager, Tom Kimber, also has personal experience with this initiative with his son, who is hyperreactive to sensory input. Tom expressed his pride at expanding the Sound Sensitivity initiative across the country, saying, “Having first-hand experience of the need for these inclusive services, I am delighted that we can continue to raise awareness and provide practical solutions. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Forsyth Barr Stadium to make events more accessible to everyone attending.”

About Kennards Hire:

Kennards Hire is a family-owned and operated company that has been in the hire industry for 75 years, with over 200 sites and branches across New Zealand and Australia. Since 1948, its diverse product range extends from general hire equipment for the home renovator and professional tradesperson to specialist equipment and heavy machinery used on some of the largest civil infrastructure and commercial construction projects in two countries. Eden Park Icon Partner, Forsyth Barr Stadium Partner, proud member of Family Business New Zealand, Member of Hire Industry Association New Zealand, major supporter of KidsCan and Springboard Community Works. kennardshire.co.nz

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Flaming start to the new year for waste trucks

LiveNews Publisher

January 29, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

2025 is off to a fiery start for Auckland’s waste trucks with five rubbish and recycling truck fires in the first two weeks of January.

An ever-increasing number of battery-powered devices and batteries in household bins are the most-likely cause of these fires. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if damaged or crushed as part of the waste collection process.

In December alone, nearly 600 laptops and over 300 12-volt batteries found their way to Auckland’s regional recycling facility, in what appears to have been a pre-Christmas offload by Aucklanders. These account for almost a third of the total number of laptops and 12V batteries found at the site since June 2024.

The Auckland recycling facility, which sorts all the region’s kerbside recycling, has one or two small fires a week with the cause most often attributed to lithium-ion batteries.

Justine Haves, General Manager Waste Solutions, is keen to ensure everyone understands that putting ewaste in kerbside bins creates a fire hazard.

“Electronic devices and batteries can be recycled in most cases, but they contain hazardous substances so require specialist handling. We would encourage people to use takeback and drop-off schemes run by retailers and local community recycling centres,” Ms Haves says.

“Making use of battery and ewaste drop-off options helps keep you and our staff safe, keeps harmful materials out of the environment, and helps us recover and reuse valuable resources.”

Batteries and devices containing lithium-ion batteries present a high-risk source of fires for both rubbish and recycling collection trucks and waste facilities. The combination of flammable electrolyte, with substantial amounts of stored energy, can result in the rapid and uncontrolled release of heat energy (thermal runaway). During thermal runaway, toxic gases are emitted and can re-ignite even after being extinguished.

To try and mitigate the dangers of rubbish truck fires, the council’s Waste Solutions team are planning a new programme of testing to give an early warning to a truck driver experiencing a fire and options for extinguishing the fire inside the truck. This would also reduce the potential for environmental contamination when the load is tipped-out for Fire and Emergency responders to extinguish.

Currently, drivers who notice smoke or a fire coming from their truck must notify their supervisor, who contacts Fire and Emergency, and then find a safe clear place to empty their load.

Batteries are not the only fire hazards placed in bins. In January this year, a half-full 40kg LPG bottle and a partially full ‘jerry can’ of petrol were discovered by recycling truck drivers. Over 300 LPG bottles and gas canisters have been recorded in the past six months at the recycling facility alone.

Fire hazards – car batteries and LPG bottles discovered in kerbside recycling bins.

How to dispose of hazardous materials – battery-powered devices, batteries, gas bottles and other hazardous materials

Mitre 10 and Bunnings have battery drop-off schemes. Check their websites for more information.
Retailers often have take-back schemes for used battery-powered devices they have sold. Some large retailers like Noel Leeming allow you to bring in items they did not sell. Check retailer websites for what they accept and participating stores.
Many local community recycling centres have ewaste recycling and even volunteer opportunities to learn how to safely disassemble laptops.
Gas bottles and canisters can be taken to a community recycling centre or to a MataGas outlet provided it is empty of gas. Some New Zealand camping stores sell a tool that enables canisters to be fully emptied prior to drop off at a recycling centre.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whereitgoes to search for places to recycle or get rid of specific items.

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