Disrespectful and disappointing: Locals angered by dumping at Auckland cemetery

Recent dumping at an Auckland cemetery has been labelled as “disappointing” by authorities with warning that offenders can face hefty fines if caught.

A pile of household rubbish was found dumped at the Ōtāhuhu Cemetery earlier this week.

The rubbish, believed to have been dumped during Auckland Anniversary weekend, included a doll’s house, soft toys and empty boxes, and was littered around the cemetery’s roundabout.

Residents shared their disappointment and sadness, shocked to see such disrespect at a sacred place.

Auckland Council general manager waste solutions Justine Haves said the rubbish was collected by a council waste team on Thursday morning.

“It is disappointing to see a dumping of this nature,” Haves said. “If anyone has any information that may help to identify the offender(s) and hold them to account, please contact Auckland Council.”

Residents said dumping usually happened outside of the cemetery, at a nearby creek and this was the first dumping in the cemetery for a long time.

Local Amy Bryan said her dad was buried at the Ōtāhuhu Cemetery and she was saddened by what she saw.

“I go visit my dad most days, and I’ve never seen anything so disrespectful,” Bryan said. “It makes me sad ... even our loved ones deserve respect.”

Haves said council received one report of illegal dumping within Ōtāhuhu Cemetery in the past year, and a further 13 for illegal dumping on the berm next to the cemetery.

Last year, rubbish was dumped at New Zealand’s largest cemetery, with boxes, trash bags, littering west Auckland’s Waikumete Cemetery.

“We would like to remind people, if you see anyone dumping rubbish, on public land, a private site or on an existing pile, report it and we will investigate,” Haves said.

“Call 0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867). This number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Offenders can face fines of up to $400, and in serious cases, prosecution with penalties reaching $30,000.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.