Illegal dumping a blight on our community

"Overall, 23,964 reports were made by members of the public about dumping. A breakdown by area shows Papatoetoe, Manurewa and Papakura had the most reports logged between 2021 and 2025. Henderson and Flat Bush rounded out the top five, coming in fourth and fifth for reports of illegal dumping."

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/community/597042/nz-s-illegal-dumping-problem-mattresses-couches-cardboard-boxes

Illegal dumping is a blight on neighbourhoods and communities. Unfortunately it's a shame that some people think it's okay to leave their trash for others to deal with.

We've heard loud and clear that the public, especially in Flat Bush, want more done about it. The Howick Local Board has been funding cameras, clean ups, and educational programmes which has had some success. But we need greater enforcement which is up the Auckland Council (Mayor and Councillors) and we've repeatedly asked for more resources to catch the perpetrators.

We also need the law to catch up - the fines and enforcement mechanisms are out of date. The costs of removal, investigation, and enforcement exceed the tiny fines (up to $400). While there have been positive noises from Wellington, Parliament is yet to pass any new legislation.

In the meantime, if you see illegally dumped rubbish please report it.

0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867) or use the new AI enabled assistant Ask Auckland.

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/rubbish-recycling/rubbish-dumping-littering/report-illegal-rubbish-dumping.html