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Chapter 1: Introduction to OWLS

This chapter provides a brief overview of the Online Waste Levy System (OWLS).

Overview

OWLS is the Ministry for the Environment’s internet application that enables disposal facility operators to carry out waste disposal levy requirements online. It has been designed to help minimise the compliance costs that disposal facility operators incur in order to meet their obligations under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Waste Minimisation (Calculation and Payment of Waste Disposal Levy) Regulations 2009.

OWLS allows operators to register, send returns and apply for extensions of time, waivers, methodologies and refunds.

Registering on OWLS

Once you have registered with us, you will be given access to OWLS. This is a secure website. The only people who can access your information are people you authorise, and Ministry for the Environment staff or contractors authorised to administer the levy.

User access types

Disposal facilities have two types of user access – Verifier and Data Entry.

The table below shows the functions for each user type.

 

Functions that users can perform

Disposal Facility Users

 

 

Data Entry

Verifier
Contacts
and users		 View or change operator address details View Change
View or change disposal facility address details View Change
View, add or change contact people details View Add / Change
View or change signing authorities View Change end date
 
Returns View returns summary View View
Submit or verify new return Submit Submit / Verify
View or change a verified return View Change
Submit an amendment No access Submit / Verify
View and download statements View / Download View / Download
 
Applications View applications summary View View
Add new applications No access Add
Change a pending application No access Change
 

Set or change your password

When to use

Use these steps to set, change or reset your password if you:

  • need to log in for the first time

  • have locked your account by entering your password incorrectly three times

  • have forgotten your password.

Role

  • Data Entry user

  • Verifier

Steps

Step Action

1

Determine whether you need to request a change.

If you…

then…

are logging in for the first time

find the email you received from OWLS when you registered. Go to step 2.

Note: The email is valid for 12 hours. If you have not activated your log in within that time, you will need to contact the help desk on 0800 WDLEVY.
need to reset or change your password

open OWLS, enter your User name and click the Forgotten password link.

Result: A message advising that an email has been sent displays. You will need to use the link within 12 hours, or click the Forgotten password link again.

2

Open the email and click on the link to the OWLS site.

Result: The Validation screen displays the challenge questions you answered on the registration form.

Validation screen

3

Answer the challenge questions. Ensure you use the same words and spelling as you did on the registration form.

Note: The answers are not case sensitive.

4

Click the Next button.

Result: The Validation Username and Password screen displays.

Validation Username and Password screen
5 Complete the following fields in the Validation section.
Field Description
Username Enter the username you want to use.
Password

Enter your new password.

Note: Your password must be at least eight characters long and include:

  • a mix of lower and upper case characters
  • at least one number.

6

Click Activate.

Where to next?

Log on to OWLS.

 

Log on to OWLS

When to use

Use these steps to log on to OWLS.

Note: If you are logging on for the first time, or have forgotten your password, see the Set or change your password steps.

Role

  • Data Entry user

  • Verifier

Steps

Step Action

1

Open your browser, and go to the website www.wastelevy.govt.nz

Result: The Home page displays. You can click:

  • Contact Us – to view contact details for the Levy

  • Useful links – to view links to information about the Levy.

Home page displays

2

Enter your Username and Password.

Notes:

  • The Password is case sensitive.

  • If you have forgotten your username, contact the help desk on 0800 WDLEVY (0800 935 389).

3

Click Login.

Where to next?

View screens and update details as required.

To log out of OWLS, click the Log out link in the top right corner of the banner.

 

Moving around OWLS

Screen layout

All screens in OWLS follow a basic structure.

All screens in OWLS follow a basic structure. - Screenshot

Field types and validation

There are four field types used in OWLS. To move from one field to the next, you can either use your mouse, or press the TAB key on your keyboard.

Free text field – users can edit and update these fields - Screenshot

Free text field – users can edit and update these fields

Drop-down list - Screenshot

Drop-down list – users can select options from the list

System-populated field - Screenshot

System-populated field – users cannot edit these fields.

Check box - Screenshot

Check box – users can either select or
de-select the box

Some fields have built in validation. If your entry is incorrect or is not valid for the field (eg, no @ in an email address, or a required field which has been left blank), a message prompting you to update the field displays next to the field name.

Lane Line Phone Number Screenshot

Help

An online help function is available from every screen within OWLS.

Click the Where to go for help - Screenshot icon in the top-right corner to open the specific Help page for the screen.