For sale: Seized cars. Two surprised owners
Two Dunedin residents say the city council should be doing more to notify owners about seized vehicles, after both were left blindsided and out-of-pocket.
Edward Ulberg’s car, a silver Nissan Bluebird, was towed from its parking spot on Dunedin’s Manor Pl, after it was classified as abandoned and impounded.
The former city resident has been unable to return from Melbourne to New Zealand due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and a friend had been looking after his vehicle – until it disappeared. "We had no idea who had taken the car.’’
A letter notifying the Australian-based Ulberg never reached him, nor did he see his car listed in a public notice published in the Otago Daily Times on Saturday. It took Stuff several minutes to track down Ulberg, who replied a few hours later.
"They need to do a better job at tracking owners down and not assume something has been abandoned...this is ridiculous because they’re probably going to charge me towing fees.’’
Ulberg said he had since contacted council and was told he would be charged almost $2000, if he wanted the vehicle, which he estimated was worth twice that.
But even if he signed the ownership over he would still have to pay $400 infringement fees.
That’s also a decision facing a Dunedin student, who was also tracked down by Stuff.
In late November, a suspected drunk driver smashed into the back of her Volkswagon Golf, which she had parked at Prospect Park due to the shortages of parks in the student area where she lived. The car, which had cost the Dunedin student $3500, had only been driven three times. The incident left the uninsured car with structural damage, and it was effectively written-off, the student, who declined to be named, said.
Her woes continued when on Crate Day she found the parked car had all of its windows smashed, and the weapon of choice – a large branch – had been left inside the vehicle.
The woman headed to Central Otago to pick fruit over summer, with the parked vehicle left on Queens Dr, Dunedin. "I was going to get my dad to take it home."
She had no idea the car had been flagged and stickered as an abandoned vehicle, and was not aware she had received a letter to her Dunedin flat saying it would be seized until it was effectively too late. "No-one my age does mail, I’ve never got a letter in my life... that is my first letter.’’
It annoyed her that the car could now be sold for parts, and the council may benefit from the sale.
She had called the council on the morning her car was towed from its parking spot, and was told the tow truck driver would call her back. "He's never called me.’’
Last year the council returned four vehicles to the registered owners, of the 30 vehicles impounded, council compliance solutions manager Ros MacGill said. If a vehicle remains unclaimed two adverts are placed, seven days apart, advising the car had been considered abandoned and impounded. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, it is then disposed of via a tender process.
MacGill said most abandoned vehicles impounded and disposed are of low value.
The council does not seek to make a profit from the disposal of these vehicles but does try to cover its costs, which include impounding and storage costs.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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85.1% Yes
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12.9% No
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2% Other - I'll share below!
Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.
They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!
Click read more for the full story.
Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.
With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.
So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...
Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'
Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'
Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'
Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'
Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'
Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'
Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'
Vote for your pick in the poll below...
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44.6% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
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12.4% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
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6.5% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
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12.9% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
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5.4% The Team - Atawhai Industries
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7% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
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2.2% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
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9.1% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
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