Waste firm chases fast-track nod for Dome Valley dump

A waste disposal company is seeking to fast-track plans for a controversial landfill north of Auckland that has been delayed by legal proceedings for several years.

The Auckland Regional Landfill is planned to replace the Redvale landfill, which is consented to take rubbish only until the end of 2028.

Opponents to the new Dome Valley landfill have raised concerns it could damage the Kaipara and Hōteo rivers .

The proposed Waste Management New Zealand landfill was consented in 2021 but has been delayed by several legal appeals since.

In 2024, Forest and Bird and Ngāti Whātua made separate appeals against the Environment Court's decision to allow the landfill to go ahead .

In 2026, Forest and Bird was granted leave to appeal part of the decision .

Now, Waste Management New Zealand will seek approval for the dump under the government's fast-track process.

"The project has already been through extensive environmental assessment, engagement and consent processes. Seeking referral provides an additional pathway ... and may help reduce further delays," it said.

The company said it would begin engaging directly with iwi, councils, regulators and affected communities.

"We anticipate formally lodging with Minister Chris Bishop in early July."

But a community advocate is concerned the fast track application for the mega dump hard-fought environmental protections were lost.

Michelle Carmichael, chair of community group Fight the Tip, said they had spent years arguing for better protections in the environment court, and worried those gains could be lost.

Carmichael would discuss with the group's lawyers how exactly the fast-track process would work, she said.

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