Riding e-bikes around in the sun would be a dream summer job to many and two lucky people are being paid to do just that.

A listing for an ‘e-bike rider’ posted by Waste Management New Zealand (WMNZ) attracted 73 applicants and two working holiday visa holders are now e-biking around Wānaka and Queenstown.

It’s not quite as simple as enjoying the sun - the two employees have the task of monitoring and reporting on rubbish bins around the towns. 

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has a contract with WMNZ for the delivery of solid waste services.

QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White explained that the monitoring takes place “to ensure bins don’t overflow as well as checking for any maintenance needs such as cleaning or repairs”.

The reporting helps the council understand demand patterns and service level requirements.

This helps with planning and service scheduling: “the aim being to reduce collection vehicle movements and servicing costs”.

WMNZ operations manager Sean Cronin said the seasonal monitoring and reporting roles have been part of WMNZ’s summer services since the company started its collections contract with QLDC in 2019.

“The role is a seasonal position over the busier summer months in both Wānaka and Queenstown,” he said. 

He said just a few Kiwis applied for the role and the “vast majority” of applicants were visitors on working holiday visas.

PHOTO: Wānaka App