Rubbish haul highlights long-term illegal dumping issues

Illegal dumping in West Auckland streams for ‘decades’ has been highlighted by a weekend cleanup of a Henderson waterway.

A pile of junk containing shopping trolleys, car tyres, and mattresses among other items, were all pulled from the Oratia Stream, which runs past WestCity Mall.

Despite Te Waha Nui’s efforts, the group responsible for the cleanup could not be reached for comment, and their hard work remains unknown within the community.

However, Waitakere Ranges Local Board member Greg Presland said that illegal dumping in waterways in the area has been a problem for decades.

“I was first on the board back in 2001 and we used to do our best to get trolleys and things out of the streams.

“Overall the water qualities for the west have improved but we still need to do a lot of work . . . we need to keep educating people about it,” said Mr Presland.

He said funding for Project Twin Streams, which maintains the Oratia Stream and Henderson Creek but did not organise the cleanup, is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by the Auckland Council.

“Long term funding [for Project Twin Streams] is running out and I would really like to see money preserved for them.

“The council needs to put its hand in their pocket and do that, they do a very worthwhile job and the funding should be continued,” he said.

Items collected from the Oratia Stream awaiting collection in the Hart Domain. Photo: Supplied by Alesha Heywood

John Riddell, Upper North Island chairman for environmental organisation Keep New Zealand Beautiful, believes that education is important in curbing the issue.

“Education is a huge factor . . . continual messaging, so that everyone gets the message and remembers that message.

“A lot more schools are getting involved now where they adopt a spot, stream, or waterway of some sort and keep it clear of rubbish,” said Mr Riddell.

With the growing population and immigrants entering the country, he said, the message needs to be made clear that New Zealand values the environment.

“The easiest way to do your bit for the environment is to get involved . . . to pick up a bit of paper and put it in the rubbish bin.

“I think we quite enjoy it too,” said Mr Riddell.