Porirua City Councillor Kathleen Filo has voiced strong opposition to a proposed 6.6 percent increase to landfill fees, calling instead for more community-focused waste solutions that ease the burden on residents during a time of financial hardship.
Speaking at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Landfill Joint Committee meeting this Tuesday, Filo said she could not support the fee rise, which would mark the fourth consecutive annual increase, following hikes of 22 percent in 2022, 23 percent in 2023, and 13 percent in 2024.
“In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, these increases aren’t just numbers on a page, for many families, it’s yet another cost they simply can’t afford,” Filo said. “When basic waste disposal becomes unaffordable, we all end up paying for it through more fly-tipping, more pressure on services, and more frustration across the community.”
Filo proposed alternative approaches aimed at making waste disposal more accessible, including the introduction of tip passes for Porirua households. Under this scheme, residents could receive a set number of passes per year, potentially one to four, providing free or subsidised access to the landfill.
“It’s a practical gesture that helps keep our city cleaner, reduces illegal dumping, and supports the community without breaking the bank,” she said. “Some councils in Australia already do this, and closer to home, Kāpiti and Hutt City have implemented creative incentives such as composting vouchers and discounts for recyclable loads.”
Filo emphasised that the proposal would not be a free-for-all. Tip passes could be limited to general waste, green waste, or recycling, and distributed through methods such as rates bills or collection at council service centres, specifically for Porirua residents.
She also pointed out that the city’s landfill account is currently running a surplus, making it an ideal time to invest in community-friendly initiatives.
Despite her plea, the motion to delay the fee increase and further investigate alternatives was not supported by the committee. However, Filo says she remains committed to pushing for changes that benefit residents.
“This isn’t just about the dollars, it’s also about the social impact and long-term costs of inaction,” she said. “We need to think beyond fee hikes and start looking at real-world, workable solutions that reduce the pressure on households.”