South Wairarapa District Council is asking the community to keep their eyes peeled and report any suspicious trucks or vehicles, following the discovery of bitumen illegally dumped at a public road reserve.
It was off-loaded at the Hinekura Road and Longbush Road intersection. This is not the first time this type of construction waste has been dumped at this site, which is also where illegal fly tipping of household waste has taken place in the past.
Illegal dumping signs have been installed and are visible in the area, warning that offenders can be prosecuted and fined up to $5000.
The site was cleaned up, and access was closed off this week to deter future dumping at the site.
This intersection is also where the road surface is damaged regularly by vehicles used for skidding, with the most recent incident occurring the weekend just gone.
Infrastructure Committee Chair Aidan Ellims says antisocial behaviour and illegal dumping is costing our community – not just financially, but in safety risks, and environmental harm.
“With fly tipping, where evidence allows, the Council actively investigates and prosecutes offenders. We have reported this incident to police and will be taking other measures to detect the perpetrators. We encourage anyone who may know something about this illegal dumping to report it safely and anonymously to the Council and the Police.
Cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish is expensive for councils and ratepayers, Mr Ellims says.
“The clean-up and cost of closing off the area will be just over $3,300. And this is on top of clean-up costs of past incidents, including $145,000 to clean up the illegal dump site along Cape Palliser Road in 2025.
“Ironically the bitumen which was dumped can be recycled and used in roading projects. Contractors across Wairarapa have approved dump sites to safely dispose of this material.”
In addition to cost, abandoned waste can damage ecosystems, pollute waterways, harm wildlife and degrade soil and plant life – and it has a negative impact on the community and can lower the appeal of neighbourhoods.
“Dumping waste like this shows a complete lack of respect for our environment and for the people who call South Wairarapa home. Our community takes pride in this place and it’s unacceptable that a small number of people are willing to damage it and leave others to foot the bill.
“I encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it. Your information could make a real difference in holding those responsible to account.”
If you see illegal dumping or find dumped rubbish, report it to Police by calling 105 and to the South Wairarapa District Council by one of the following channels:
- Contact the Council on 06 306 9611
- Report it via our website
- Use the Antenno app
- Email enquiries@swdc.govt.nz
Find out more about Illegal rubbish dumping – SWDC
Media contact
Email media@swdc.govt.nz