“Project Reclaim – Excellence in collaboration” is a finalist for the 2025 Āpōpō Asset Management Excellence Awards.

Project Reclaim successfully removed ≈69,000 tonnes of waste from three at-risk coastal sites in the Waitaki District – the Hampden closed landfill and two uncontrolled disposal areas. By relocating the material to a purpose-built Class 1 cell at Palmerston landfill, the project delivered a sustainable solution that protects the marine environment and future generations from contamination caused by coastal erosion.

All involved: Waitaki District Council, Morrison Low, Waste Management New Zealand, Fulton Hogan, Tonkin + Taylor and GHC Consulting.

Project Reclaim addressed an urgent environmental challenge at three coastal waste sites: the Hampden closed landfill and two uncontrolled fill areas along Beach Road. Coastal erosion was increasingly exposing buried waste in this popular recreational area, with climate change models predicting erosion rates could reach up to one metre per year. After extensive consultation with local communities, iwi, and stakeholders, it became clear that continued onsite protection was no longer viable.

The solution involved relocating ≈69,000t of waste to a new lined cell at Council’s Palmerston landfill. The timing proved strategic, as the facility had available capacity before its operating consent expired. By utilising this existing infrastructure, the Council achieved significant cost savings while minimising environmental impact.

The project’s success stemmed from a collaborative procurement and construction approach. The Council awarded two NZS3916 design-build contracts, partnering with Waste Management NZ and Fulton Hogan for execution, with Tonkin+Taylor providing design expertise.