Rubbish barge coming

A rubbish barge for boaties will be back on the water in the Bay of Islands after Christmas. The staffed barge is a joint venture between the Northland regional and Far North district councils, the Department of Conservation and contractors Waste Management. The first dates will be Monday, December 28, and Thursday, December 31. After that the service will operate Mondays and Fridays, weather permitting, until January 29. It will visit Urupukapuka Island campsites from 9-10am before mooring off the southeastern end of Moturua Island from 10.30am1pm. A flat $7 fee per bag applies regardless of whether pre-paid or plain bags are used. The charge for dropping off recyclables depends on quantity and cleanliness. Go to www.nrc.govt.nz/rubbishbarge.