Michael Barnett's comments about Auckland Council staying out of the waste industry missed the mark.
Yes, Auckland Council has an ambitious goal - to engage every Aucklander to help our city become zero-waste by 2040.
But we know that reducing waste isn't easy; it involves many moving parts, behaviour change and most importantly; working closely with everyone in the waste industry.
Auckland Council's path to zero waste is clearly outlined in our new widely consulted Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, shortly to be released. It is a shared plan that incorporates feedback from ratepayers, community groups, the business sector, private waste management companies, all interested parties - and the Auckland Business Chamber of Commerce.
It is wrong to say we are now entering the commercial market. As most Aucklanders will know, we have always offered rubbish and recycling services and work in partnership with contractors to deliver these collections. However, our priority is always waste reduction, saving ratepayers money and tackling climate change.