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A contentious proposal to extend Redvale Landfill has been accepted into the Government’s fast-track approvals process.
Waste Management New Zealand confirmed the decision last week, with managing director Evan Maehl describing it as a key step in securing Auckland’s waste infrastructure.
“For more than 35 years, Redvale has been the key disposal point for the majority of Auckland’s waste. It plays a critical role in keeping the region’s waste system working day to day,” Maehl says.
Current consents for the landfill expire at the end of 2028. Waste Management is seeking approval to extend operations to 2036, or until the proposed Auckland Regional Landfill (ARL) is ready to take all waste streams. ARL, which received resource consent in 2021, remains tied up in court through ongoing appeals.
Maehl says extending Redvale is the most practical and cost-effective way to manage waste in the interim, avoiding the need to transport waste long distances.
However, the fast-track decision will be a blow to many in the Dairy Flat community, where there has been strong opposition to the landfill remaining operational past its current consent period. (Hibiscus Matters, June 2025).
Former Rodney Local Board member and Dairy Flat resident Louise Johnston says the move is “extremely disappointing” for nearby residents and the school.
The application will now move to a panel-led process, with technical assessments and input from iwi, Auckland Council and other invited parties before a final decision is made.
Rodney councillor Greg Sayers is also among those who would have preferred Waste Management to use the standard RMA consent process.
“The Government’s fast track approval unfortunately removes the ability for any resident or ratepayer to have their say about the land fill extension to Auckland Council, as it now becomes a Government process rather than a Council process,” Cr Sayers says.
“Property owners and the local school, amongst others, are deeply disappointed that Waste Management has considered this approach in order to gain resource consent.”
Rodney Local Board member Lisa Whyte echoed his sentiment. “I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that the high wellbeing cost being paid by the local community and school have not been sufficient to influence the outcome.”
