South Wairarapa District Council is working to prevent illegal rubbish dumping on the south coast, which is causing environmental damage to water quality and marine life.

Council staff believe that a dumping site at Te Kopi on the south coast has been used for several years to illegally throw household garbage and industrial refuse off the cliff edge.

“I am deeply disappointed to hear that there are people who would rather damage and destroy our beautiful natural environment than be responsible for their own waste. I know that the cost of living crisis is hurting a lot of families but it seems that this has being going on for a long time, which points to malicious and intentionally irresponsible behaviour. Shame on them,” says Councillor Rebecca Gray, who leads Community, Climate and Environmental Wellbeing.

Council staff say that the area at Te Kopi Cliffs is off the beaten track, which suggests people are intentionally going there to dump rubbish and household items. This is threatening the quality of the water in the river below, which feeds into the ocean. The primary concern lies with leachate.

Environmental impact of leachate

Leachate typically contains hazardous substances such as heavy metals, organic compounds and pathogens, which can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harm wildlife and pose significant health risks to humans. High levels of nitrates and phosphates from decomposing organic waste can lead to eutrophication, which can deplete oxygen in water, kill fish and result in the loss of biodiversity.

Another critical concern is waste washing out to sea during storms or heavy rains. This debris can pose danger to marine life and humans alike once it is in the ocean. Fishing is popular in the area and there is potential for catches to be contaminated by pollutants from the waste.

Illegal dumping to be stopped

South Wairarapa District Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Environmental Protection Authority are collaborating to stop the illegal rubbish dumping.

“We are increasing surveillance at the site and implementing measures to prevent vehicle access so that we can protect our natural landscape, water safety and marine life. The volume of waste dumped is substantial, unacceptable and potentially fatal to the environment. We will do everything we can to identify and prosecute those responsible for this illegal activity,” says Janice Smith, Chief Executive Officer for South Wairarapa District Council.

“The council has a responsibility to clear the waste to comply with the Resource Management Act and the Environmental Protection Agency. The initial expense will be borne by ratepayers, but we will do everything we can to recover that from those causing the harm,” says Smith.

It is disheartening that much of this waste could be disposed of by repurposing and dropping off to second hand stores in the district or to recycling stations for free. The financial burden on the community is considerable and underscores the need for responsible waste management by the South Wairarapa community.

“The products we purchase and no longer want are our personal responsibility; not that of the environment or the council,” says Councillor Gray.

The council urges all members of the South Wairarapa community to responsibly dispose of their waste at transfer stations that are available via rates.

It is imperative that the community acts collaboratively to stop all illegal dumping along the coastline and in the countryside of the South Wairarapa district.

“We need you to safeguard the future of our local ecosystem. By working together, we can preserve the natural beauty of the South Wairarapa and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations,” says Councillor Gray.

“We urge anyone with information about the illegal dumping to come forward and report it.”

For information and to report illegal dumping, please contact South Wairarapa District Council, phone 06 306 9611.