Media release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In a New Zealand first, staff from Westland District Council District Assets team have designed ‘kea proof’ rubbish bins.
“The Department of Conservation (DOC) approached us about getting some rubbish bins for Franz Josef that kea couldn’t get into,” says Operations Manager Erle Bencich. “We are keen to support DOC’s efforts to keep kea healthy. Investigating the market for rubbish bins, we found that none of the bins available were fit for purpose. So, we put our engineering skills to good use and in conjunction with a supplier came up with a lid design that has a spring-loaded door with a narrow aperture, which fits on the standard receptacle base. The lids and bins were manufactured by Tilley Group Ltd to meet our specific requirements.
It would be great to see them installed across the country wherever cheeky kea are getting into public rubbish bins.”
This week, seven of the 240 litre bins with kea proof lids have been installed in Franz Josef.
ENDS
Media enquiries to:
Emma Rae, Strategy and Communications Advisor
Emma.rae@westlanddc.govt.nz
