ARC takes swipe at Auckland City in recycling row

The Auckland Regional Council has joined Waiheke's recycling debate, putting its weight behind residents who are fighting to keep their local service.

Regional council chairman Mike Lee wrote to Auckland City mayor John Banks urging him to reconsider plans to replace local recycling with a 10-year outside contract.

"For some time now I have been disturbed by reports that suggest Auckland City Council staff are once again riding roughshod over the local Waiheke community," said the letter.

"You need to know that you are acting against the wishes of all of Waiheke Island's elected representatives, including ... the ward councillor of Auckland City Council."

Regional councillors have urged city councillors not to go ahead with Thursday's vote, which is expected to award the island's rubbish and recycling contract to central city waste collectors TransPacific Industries.

Council documents show TransPacific Industries' tender undercut the local contractor, Clean Stream Waiheke, by $3.7 million, making it the most likely candidate for a $23 million contract.

City officials say replacing the existing arrangement will save ratepayers $6 million over 10 years.

Auckland city councillor Aaron Bhatnagar wrote back to Mr Lee on his authority's behalf. He told the Herald many islanders would not notice the difference.

The preferred contract with TransPacific Industries would give residents a choice of keeping the red rubbish bags they use at the moment, or using a wheelie bin.

Mr Bhatnagar said that would address the point raised by Mr Lee and others that islanders would have trouble getting wheelie bins up some of the island's steep, narrow paths.