New solar powered compacting rubbish bins are to be placed around the Tararua District.
The “BigBelly” bins will initially be used in remote areas that have a steady stream of visitors where usage varies widely.
So far, the Tararua District Council has purchased four of the bins, which can send real time data to let council contractors know how full they are.
Economic Development Advisor Angela Rule says with these solar powered bins, rubbish collection can be planned and coordinated better.
She says a contractor won’t need to go out and check if the bin needs emptying, and they will need to be emptied less frequently because the rubbish is compacted.
Trials in New Zealand and other countries have shown that the bins can hold up to 600 litres of waste, which is five to ten times more rubbish than a standard sized street rubbish bin.
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The inaugural Ki o Rahi Tournament was held in Waipukurau yesterday.
The event is part of Central Hawkes Bay’s Matariki Festival, with 10 local primary schools taking part.
Organiser Hogan Hynes said he was thrilled with day and said he was feeling very fulfilled.
He said seeing his vison come to life, the enjoyment on the children’s faces, and the parent support was overwhelming.
Porangahau School students Poppie McCutcheon and Jada Pentecost had high praise for the tournament and hoped it would become an annual event.
Waipawa School ran a sausage sizzle fundraiser sponsored by Countdown Waipukurau, with funds raised going to the family of Porangahau school-girl, Royal SciaScia.
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Former Central Hawke’s Bay College student David Tomlinson recently umpired his 100th international hockey.
The milestone came in a game between NZ and Australia.
Tomlinson is hoping to attend the upcoming Tokyo Olympics to umpire.