Aucklanders warned to stop littering used face masks
Rubbish collectors in Auckland have seen an increase in single-use face masks being littered around the city.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said it served as a reminder to Aucklanders that any used masks should be put in the bin.
Goff said rubbish collectors had reported seeing an increase of masks left in parks, reserves and on the streets in the last few weeks.
“It is great that so many Aucklanders are following health advice by wearing a mask, but we also need to remember to throw disposable masks in the bin,” he said.
“We all know the importance of being a tidy Kiwi and this is no different. Used masks being thrown on the street is not only a health risk but is also terrible for our environment.
Goff said ideally, people should dispose of masks in their bins back at home so the risk was lowered for staff who collected rubbish from public bins.
Those who did choose to litter could face fines of up to $400, Goff said.
”The council’s enforcement team is working at Level 2 and I encourage Aucklanders to report littering if they see it by calling 0800 NO DUMP.”
Goff also encouraged Aucklanders to try to use reusable masks where possible.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.6% Nah - not for me
Kōnae: Find Your Records
If you want to know how to request records about you or your whānau visit Kōnae: My Records Guide konae.org.nz.
Kōnae has information on more than 60 state and faith-based organisations that have records for over 800 homes and places in Aotearoa New Zealand about people who have been in their guardianship or care.
The Kōnae map shows past and present places in Aotearoa New Zealand like children’s homes, hospitals, orphanages, boarding schools, Youth Justice facilities and many more.
Each place on the map has details about who was responsible for running it and how to get records.
The map can be searched and filtered by
- name
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If you want support to use the website or to find your records, you can get in touch with your local CAB on 0800 367 222, email or message via cab.org.nz, or visit a CAB near you cab.org.nz/find-a-cab
Accessing records can bring up a range of emotions, we encourage you to take care of your wellbeing. You can find suggestions of support at konae.org.nz/support
Original post credit: Citizens Advice Bureau: cab.org.nz
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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85.6% Same!
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14.4% Would have liked to try something different
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