Report pollution or environmental damage
If you see something that looks wrong - different to what you normally see at that spot - it could be the result of an environmental incident. If it’s urgent and/or significant, call our 24-hour Pollution Hotline on freephone 0508 800 800 to report it when you see it.
What we respond to
What we respond to
Air
Objectionable odours
Unlawful outdoor burning
Unlawful agrichemical application
Other unlawful discharges to air
Water
Unlawful discharges to streams, rivers, lakes and coastal marine areas
Chemical or oil spills
Sediment from unlawful activity
Effluent discharge to water
Unlawful structures in the water
Unlawful water takes, uses, damning and diversion
Stock in waterways (dead or alive)
Land
Unauthorised earthworks, vegetation clearance or excavations
Unlawful disturbance to wetlands
Unlawful effluent discharge to land
Unapproved and unlawful large-scale dump sites
Other unlawful discharges and spills
What we can't respond to
Report these to your local city/district council.
Air
Nuisance smoke in residential areas from fireplaces
Noise pollution
Health concerns such as flies
Water
Rubbish and recycling collection
Rubbish dumped or 'fly tipped'
Blocked drains in towns or cities
Drinking water issues
Land
Animal control
Littering
Smokey fires
Smokey fires are one of the most common complaints we get. With many members of our communities unaware of do's and don'ts of burning, below is a reminder of the rules around burning. The full rules are in the One Plan, our “one stop shop” of environmental regulations for the region.
Fires and burning
The burning of the following materials is permitted
Untreated wood or vegetative matter
Waste paper or cardboard
Food waste
Non-halogenated plastics
Animal carcasses or animal waste on production land
The material to be burned must be sourced only from the property on which the burning occurs, except for:
Untreated wood or vegetative matter
Materials (including vegetative matter) that are burned in barbeques, hāngi, umu and outdoor fireplaces
The discharge must not result in the following
Offensive or objectionable odour, dust, smoke or water vapour beyond the property boundary
Noxious or dangerous levels of gases or particulates beyond the property boundary
Cause a reduction in visibility on any designated commercial or military flight path
How we handle reports
All incidents are recorded in our system and categorised. Category 1 incidents get an immediate response, while Category 5 require no response. When necessary, one of our consent monitoring officers will investigate the environmental incident and determine what course of action is necessary.
What you can do
Report it right
Save time and reach the right people fast by first checking who is the best person to call. Check the lists above to see if you should be calling us or your local city/district council.
Call it in quick
Always use the freephone number 0508 800 800 if the issue is urgent. Please note the duration and impact on you/the surrounding area, particularly for short-lived issues like problem burning or odour.
Take pictures
Any supporting evidence you can provide could assist our ability to make swift enquiries. However, do not take pictures if doing so would put yourself at risk.
Be specific
Key information, such as addresses and proximity to obvious landmarks, really helps us to respond.
Be contactable
Provide your name and phone number so we can contact you if we need more information. Having your details also means we can keep you updated on the outcome.
Next steps
When we receive your complaint, we'll ask for your name and contact details so we can get in touch if we need any more information. We'll always respect your privacy and handle any personal information you decide to provide with strict confidentiality.
Once you've provided as much information as you can, we follow a two-step process:
Investigate – this may include a site inspection, sampling, measurement, photographing and interviewing people.
Act – the most appropriate course of action will be taken based on the circumstances.
Options that could be taken include:
No further action
Educational advice
A letter of direction
Abatement notice
Formal warning
Infringement notice
In the most serious cases, prosecution.