Money and Wastebusters
Wanaka Wastebusters is an incorporated society, which operates as a community enterprise. You could say we are a not-for-profit but we like to think we are a for-profit which returns those profits to our community.
As a community enterprise, there is no safety net if we are financially irresponsible. We operate as a business and aim to make a surplus, but then we spend the money providing extra services for our community. One example is the after-hours recycling drop-off which makes it easier for visitors and people working business hours to drop off their recycling. We also help fund Simon’s work as the enviroschools facilitator in the Lakes District, adding to the funding we receive through a contract with Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Income
Currently we hold kerbside collection and processing contracts for Wanaka, Hawea, Cardrona and Makarora with Queenstown Lakes District Council. We also run business recycling in Wanaka, and events recycling in Wanaka and the Lakes District. Our second-hand store is the largest in Wanaka, and we run environmental education including workshops, Enviroschools and EERST.
In the year ending June 2010, our payroll was over $1 million. Wanaka Wastebusters is a significant employer in our small town, and we love that most of that money is spent in town which helps other local businesses.
Governance
General manager Sue Coutts sets the big picture for Wastebusters, using “reduce, re-use and recycle” as her compass. The executive committee keeps an eye on the direction and the financials. The committee is elected annually by members at the AGM.
The 2011 Executive committee members are:
- Ross McRobie, Chair
- Devon Hotop
- Sally Battson
- Russell McGeorge
- Victoria Murray-Orr
- Sharon Beattie
Join us
If you want to support the work of Wanaka Wanaka Wastebusters, then join us. Drop into the Wastebusters shop and become a member for only $1 a year.
Members can vote and/or be nominated for the Executive Committee at the AGM.
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