Date:  29 August 2019

Senior Ranger Darrel Haworth says the rubbish dumped at the sites included used nappies, whiteware, vehicles and general household rubbish.

“Dumping rubbish outside of a landfill is unacceptable. The small number of people who do this need to deal with their waste in a responsible manner – not leave it for others to clean-up.”

“DOC will inspect the rubbish for any evidence of persons responsible and bring in diggers to clean up the sites. The majority of this rubbish is plastic and will stick around until someone deals with it – it won’t break down.”

“This will come at a cost to tax payers which could be better spent elsewhere, on maintenance of tracks and protection of our native species.”

Disposing of rubbish incorrectly poses risk to our native species health, contaminates the area and draws in pests such as rats.

Any person responsible for illegal dumping of rubbish in reserves or on conservation estate can be prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment and or a fine not exceeding 100,000 NZD.

Contact