Environment
The ability to manufacture products with low environmental impacts creates real value for businesses operating in Kawerau.
ISK supports and promotes companies driving sustainable business options.
Depending on how much water you need to use you may need to install a water meter, register your take or apply for a resource consent. Water take consents can be issued for any purpose (unless it is a prohibited activity) but will only be granted if the water use is efficient and will not have a significant environmental or cultural impact.
Industry in Kawerau operates under the Tarawera River Plan which was formed primarily to manage the effects of the discharges of the large pulp and paper mills sited near Kawerau township by managing water quantity and water quality in the river catchment. The plan is designed to manage abstraction from the Tarawera River and maintain water quality standards in the Tarawera River and its tributaries and lakes. Tarawera River Plan Summary
In production since 1957, the Kawerau geothermal field was the first major direct industrial use of geothermal energy in the world.
The future maintenance of the geothermal field is an important aspect. The management of the field ensures that the reinjection of spent steam is carefully monitored to prevent the field from losing productivity.
When a company uses renewable resources to operate, they are doing their part to help combat climate change. With the government adjusting the policies around climate control, businesses will need to adopt cleaner business practices to meet new regulations. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council manages the region’s air resource and works with the community to ensure that the region’s air is clean. You may need resource consent to carry out some activities that could affect the region’s air quality.
By operating in Kawerau, businesses have the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and be a part of embracing the future of cleaner energy.
In addition to local Risk Management Plans, the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan provides a framework for civil defence and emergency management decisions to be made across the Bay of Plenty.
This plan covers all hazards. It emphasises risk reduction and being prepared for disasters. It is supported by local plans from the six district and city councils and also includes procedures or plans for specific areas such as public information, welfare, recovery and regional warnings. The Plan provides the authority for controllers to carry out actions in the event of a declared emergency in the Bay of Plenty. Download a copy of this plan for further information. https://www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz/documents/?filter=Plan
Many of the industrial business operating in Kawerau are invested in creating a better environment. Using industrial symbiosis, companies are reducing waste and pooling resources to create a sustainable waste management system. Reducing each companies impact on the environment and in specific cases improving efficiency.