We need to look after our environment and manage our natural resources to ensure our city is more sustainable. This includes reducing our emissions and our waste, planting thousands of native species, and managing our green spaces to ensure they support the wellbeing of both people and indigenous plants and creatures.
Electric fleet
Council continued making strong progress towards its goal of reducing operational emissions to net zero by 2050 by transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric.
As of June 2026, 94 percent of Council’s light vehicle fleet was electric, up from 80 percent the previous year. This has reduced fuel use, lowered emissions and cut operating costs, while ensuring staff can continue delivering services across the city.
The transition forms part of Council’s wider emissions reduction programme, which also includes improving energy efficiency, supporting the electrification of Lower Hutt, and supporting more sustainable transport options across Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
Council is on track to achieve its goal of a fully electric light vehicle fleet well ahead of its 2030 goal.
Huia upgrade
Huia Pool reopened in March 2026 following a ajor refurbishment transformed the much-loved community facility into a warmer, more modern aquatic centre.
A key focus of the refurbishment was reducing the facility’s environmental impact. The pool’s ageing gas boilers were replaced with low-emission electric heating systems, while major upgrades to the ventilation and pool water systems have significantly improved energy efficiency. These behind-the-scenes improvements mean the facility is now fully decarbonised, supporting Council’s emissions reduction goals while creating a more comfortable experience for visitors.
The project also included extensive upgrades to the main pool, learners’ pools and spa area, along with a new sauna and a moveable floor in the main pool to improve accessibility and flexibility for different users.
Battery recycling stations
Council introduced new high-tech battery recycling units at the Hutt City Council Administration Building, War Memorial Library, and five neighbourhoodhubs: Naenae, Eastbourne, Kōraunui Stokes Valley, Wainuiomata and Walter Nash.
The initiative made it easier and safer for residents to recycle household batteries. The initiative followed community demand for a safer alternative after informal battery collection began at Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub.
The purpose-built units have 24/7 monitored heat sensors and built-in fire suppression systems to reduce the fire risks associated with storing lithium and other household batteries. Residents can drop off most household batteries weighing less than 5kg during normal opening hours.
Collected batteries are managed by Phoenix Recycling Group before being exported under Environmental Protection Authority permits to certified recycling facilities in Japan and South Korea for processing.
The collection supports Council’s waste minimisation and resource recovery goals by diverting hazardous materials from landfill and reducing the risk of battery fires.
Awa the AI chatbot goes live
Council launched Awa, an AI-powered chatbot, to help residents quickly find rubbish and recycling information through the Too Good to Waste website.
Available around the clock, Awa provides quick answers to common questions, helping residents access information whenever they need it.
Clean Up the Hutt mobilises 300+ volunteers
Council’s sponsored Clean Up the Hutt event in December 2025 brought together more than 300 volunteers to help remove 2,656kg of litter across nine locations, with recyclables separated on the day to support waste minimisation practices.
Lower Hutt reaches Mouri Tupu planting target
In August 2025, Lower Hutt’s 114,000th native plant was planted, achieving the Mouri Tupu pledge to plant one native plant for every city resident.
The programme delivered 46,000 plants across parks and reserves and 29,000 through major projects.
Community groups received 31,500 plants, while more than 1,100 households shared a further 6,000 plants through weekend giveaways.