Date:  19 May 2017

DOC is appealing to the public to come forward with any information on the rubbish, which appears to have been dumped in a couple of big loads over the past few weeks. 

Dumped rubbish on conservation land along Tiwai Road
Image: DOC 

Murihiku Operations Manager Tony Preston says the Invercargill City Council (ICC) alerted him to the problem on Thursday, and they along with the police were working to get to the bottom of it. 

“If anyone has seen any large trucks or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, let us know. Aside from the large amount of inorganic material and junk, there was also garden and green waste which could have weeds that will impact the natural flora of the area.” 

“It’s just a really lazy thing to do.” 

Fortunately for DOC and the ICC, the dumpers have been as careless with personal details as they are with rubbish, leaving utility bills with names and addresses among the detritus. 

However, DOC was still working with police and the ICC to identify and locate the people responsible, Tony says. 

“We’re pursuing a line of enquiry to identify the culprits but if anyone knows anything about this, please get in touch.” 

Under the Conservation Act, an individual can face up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine up to $100,000 for contaminants, while a corporate can face up to a $200,000 fine. Under the Litter Act, an individual can be fined up to $5,000 and a corporate up to $20,000. 

Tony says he is confident they would find the people responsible. 

“It’s a very distinctive load of rubbish to dump – how many people need to dispose of hundreds of vacuum cleaners? Surely, someone out there knows something.” 

The public is urged to contact DOC on +64 3 211 2400 or call in to the Murihiku office on the 7th floor, 33 Don Street, Invercargill.

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