New whiteware process at Transfer Station effective Mon, 2 June 2025 

A new process for accepting whiteware has been put in place for the Kawerau Transfer Station.

The reason for the new process, is that certain items of whiteware, including refrigerators and freezers, have fluorinated gases that need to be safely and removed by certified tradespeople before the whiteware can be disposed of. F-gases are potent greenhouse gases, that collectively, have a significant impact on global warming. 

Council now has an agreement in place with a certified local business to degas the whiteware items, for Council at the Kawerau Transfer Station prior to them going to the metal recycler. 

Therefore, a fee of $47 charged for each whiteware item, which will pay for the de-gassing to be completed. 

If you have an item of whiteware, on arrival to the Transfer Station, please drive onto the weighbridge and check in with staff who will advise if the whiteware does contain the F-gases, which are harmful to the environment, and cannot be disposed of in the residual waste (the pit) or in the metal recycling collection bin (without first having the F-gases removed).
Please note: care needs to be taken loading and transporting the whiteware to the Transfer Station, to ensure there is no damage of the whiteware item, which could result in leakage of the F-gases. 

Please note: If the whiteware item does have F-gases, there will be a charge of $47 per item. 

Whiteware containing Fluorinated Gases that have a $47 charge per item comprise: 

• • Airconditioning unit
  • Dehumidifier
  • Fridge
  • Freezer

Whiteware items accepted at zero cost (please check in with the Transfer Station staff on arrival to ensure does not contain F-gases):

• • Ovens
  • Dishwasher
  • Washing Machine
  • Stove
  • Microwave Oven
  • Range Hood
  • Dryer
  • Cooktops
  • Kettle
  • Blender
  • Coffee Machine
  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Toaster

Update on emergency Water Shutdown for Porritt Drive and Ward Street

During the past two weeks, you may have noticed several unplanned water shutdowns. 
These interruptions are due to issues encountered by Council during the renewals of the drinking water pipes in zone five. 
Our contractors have encountered more than usual challenges in this area, leading to the unplanned water shutdowns.

As was expected in this area, there are numerous boulders in the ground, which Draintech (our contractors) must remove before they can replace the pipes. Also, the pipes in this area are more fragile than anticipated so there are extra issues being caused during the reconnection process of the new pipes to the existing pipework, which is causing valves to dislodge, resulting in leaks.
These issues are likely to continue as work progresses on Porritt Drive and subsequently on Ward Street. 

Council advises residents on Porritt Drive and potentially Ward Street to prepare by storing sufficient drinking water in advance, in the coming weeks, in case there is a need for an unplanned water shutdown in your area.

A reminder also, once the water supply is restored, please flush your taps for a few minutes to clear any air pockets and discoloured water from the pipes.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we complete this work.

Ngā mihi

Alcohol Public Notice - Caymans Sports Bar

Drinking water taps at Kawerau New World available 

On Wednesday, 30 April Council reinstated the chlorine free drinking water taps at the Kawerau New World carpark for the community. Please be advised, the water from the Kawerau New World carpark taps contains fluoride, as per the direction of the Ministry of Health.

The River Road drinking water taps beside the pumphouse continue to be available for the community, offering chlorine and fluoride-free water. Water from the River Road drinking water taps has undergone ultra-violet (UV) treatment only to deal with any protozoa, viruses and bacteria that might be present as the water comes out of the springs.

Dog Control – Policy and Practices Report – 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

Public notice is hereby given that, at a meeting held on 18 December 2024, Council adopted the above report as required under section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996 and the report is now available for public inspection at the Council Office or can be viewed here

Rangi Delamere site no longer available for use by Mobile Traders.

The Rangi Delamere Centre (adjacent to the netball courts and Prideaux Park) will no longer be available for use by Mobile Traders. Due to safety concerns with backing traffic, congestion around the entrance to the Rangi Delamere Centre which is used by multiple sports groups, this area is no longer available for use by Traders. The areas available for Traders, can be seen in the photo below, indicated by the red and yellow boxes. This comes into effect immediately.

Spraying of Sports Fields, Parks and Reserves

Council wishes to advise that it will resume the summer spraying of sports fields, parks and reserves areas for weeds and the dreaded Onehunga prickles as soon as the weather allows. Spraying will be completed (where possible) in the early hours of the day to minimise disruption to our community. 

St. John Kawerau Hato Hone | Health Shuttle Service

Pick-up and return service from home to medical or health related appointments for all ages throughout the wider Bay. Find out more and get in touch with the team here. 

Earthquakes - Have a Plan and Be Prepared 

In the event of a major quake - if you are safe at home, stay home.

What do we mean by ‘safe at home'? You are not near the coast/in a tsunami evacuation zone. Your home has not had significant damage. If everyone in your whānau is ok (no urgent medical/safety needs). If you need urgent help, call 111. If you are not safe at home, head to the nearest safe place - it may be your neighbours' home or somewhere close-by. Try and stay off the roads unless you must drive somewhere. After a major quake or other event, council and civil defence teams will update people on social media, radio, and any other means to get key information out. Local contact directory here. 

Tarawera Falls Access Permits

Due to health and safety concerns with logging in the Tarawera Forest, from Monday, 31 October 2022, Māori Investments Limited (MIL) has made the decision not to issue any visitor permits for the Tarawera Falls during the weekdays (Monday - Friday). Permits will only be issued for weekends and public holidays.

Rates Rebate Applications 

Check your eligibility online. Contact us on 07 306 9009 from 8am - 5pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri (8.30am - 5pm Wednesdays) if you have any questions. 

Flush Your Drinking Water Taps

Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends that you flush a mugful of water from your drinking water tap each morning before use to remove any metals that may have dissolved from the plumbing fittings. Public Notice from MoH about flushing traces of metals from drinking water.

Contact the Council

If residents have an issue with roaming dogs, dog attacks, dangerous or fallen trees, water, wastewater, stormwater, or Council-owned facilities or venues please contact the Council on 07 306 9009 or email office@kaweraudc.govt.nz to log a request for service. The Council line is monitored after business hours by the Duty Manager. These issues are logged and passed on to the relevant staff member or at external organisation (i.e., for street lights) to action. Please feel free to follow up on a request for service by phone or email regarding timeline for completion.  Contact us >>