Source: Auckland Council
Illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour have no place in our neighbourhoods—that’s the clear message being delivered by local residents and community partners working together to create safer, cleaner spaces in Māngere.
At a recent Māngere East Community Safety meeting, led by the Māngere East Community Centre and funded through the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board’s safety work programme, residents voiced their concerns about rising anti-social behaviour at Radonich Park in Māngere East, especially over weekends and late nights.
Key issues raised included alcohol consumption, loud noise, dangerous driving in the carpark, disturbances affecting nearby residents and illegal dumping.
A community-led BBQ brought together local groups and regular park users to kōrero (talk) the challenges they face at Radonich Park, fostering connection and understanding.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “This kind of behaviour is simply unacceptable, and we won’t stand for it. We are fully committed to making a change and will work alongside our community to make this happen. Our board recently met with residents and saw firsthand the impact these issues are having. It’s deeply upsetting to witness the blatant disrespect for our environment, particularly with illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour that is making it unsafe for locals.
“Council staff are taking immediate action to tackle these issues, including securing the main gates during park hours, enforcing the liquor ban with signage, and addressing illegal dumping. These concerns have also been raised with the Community Prevention Policing team, who will help support and keep our residents safe.”
Illegal DumpingIf you see dumped rubbish on public property, call 0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867). Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Large piles of rubbish illegally dumped at the local community garden.
Council takes illegal dumping seriously. All reports will be investigated. Offenders could face fines of up to $400, and serious cases may result in prosecution under the Litter Act 1979, with penalties of up to $30,000.
A sad sight: images of illegal dumping taken during a recent walkthrough of the gardens.
Anti-social behaviour
Another area of concern is ongoing antisocial behaviour in the park, particularly during weekends and late-night hours. The main issues are alcohol use, loud noise, speeding in the carpark, and disturbances to nearby residents.
During a recent cleanup, the team came across alcohol boxes and bottles scattered across the area, a stark reminder of the disrespect shown to our community spaces.
Bakulich adds, “We’ve stressed the importance of safety and urged residents not to intervene in escalating situations. Their wellbeing is our top priority. We are incredibly proud of our community for stepping up and wanting to be a part of the solution. Together, we’re working to make the area safe and a welcoming space for everyone.”
The end goal is simple: working together to create a safe and thriving environment, where anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping will not be tolerated, and fines will be enforced.
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