The Auckland Council has won a successful prosecution for illegal rubbish dumping in Otahuhu, with the offenders fined $2000 for the offence.

The guilty party was charged under the Local Government Act for breaches of a council bylaw, which included dumping rubbish on the council verge and into mangroves and dumping waste oil into a stormwater drain.

The court issued fines of $1000 for each offence and also awarded the council's costs of approximately $500, which covered laboratory and court costs.

"As well as a reduction in illegal dumping activities, we're seeing a change in people's attitude, and they're becoming more aware and concerned about the impacts of illegal dumping," says Cr Des Morrison, Chair of the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee.

"The fines reflect the court's concern about this type of behaviour. The court considered illegal dumping to be a serious nuisance for the community resulting in long term damage to the environment."

The prosecution arose from the council's proactive rubbish patrols, which have successfully reduced illegal dumping of rubbish in target areas and seen positive changes in areas such as Otahuhu, Glen Innes and Sandringham.

The routine patrol discovered the rubbish outside the property on a grass berm and the footpath and officers labeled them with stickers to identify it as illegal dumping.  The waste Included black plastic bags filled with canvas material, grey carpet, glass bottles and general household waste, four plastic containers partially filled with engine oil and cardboard boxes.    There was also oil in a stormwater drain on the property, which was tested.

The same labeled bags were then discovered at the Otahuhu Creek, strewn down a bank and into the mangroves.

The defendant admitted leaving the items outside of the property, and pouring engine oil into the stormwater drain.  He denied dumping the rubbish in the creek.

The council routinely investigates illegal rubbish dumping and issues spot fines and infringement notices to offenders. Council will prosecute for more serious offenders.

The public are encouraged to report illegal dumping to council, on 09 301 0101.