The government agency responsible for managing the lakefront around Lake Dunstan has had enough of people dumping rubbish illegally on public land. 

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) says it’s disappointed to see household waste regularly abandoned near the shoreline, creating environmental risks and spoiling spots enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 

“It’s incredibly disappointing that someone thinks this beautiful area is their own personal dumping ground,” LINZ land and waterways leader Lee Farnhill said. 

“Dumping rubbish not only harms the environment, it also undermines the effort that goes into keeping these spaces clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.” 

LINZ manages several recreational sites around the lake, providing rubbish bins, toilets, mowing and pest control services, Lee said, and illegal dumping added unnecessary cost to taxpayers. 

“Every time someone dumps rubbish illegally, it’s the public who ends up footing the bill for the clean-up. The money we spend disposing of this waste would be far better directed to regular site maintenance.” 

The warning follows a series of changes by LINZ to how lakeside sites are managed. 

In June, the Crown agency removed close to 30 rubbish bins from a number of spots at a one-off cost of $12,000 to save $40,000 in servicing costs annually.

A few months later, fencing was installed at four popular picnic and rest-stops around the lake as part of broader efforts to prepare them for potential lease to commercial operators.

In September, the agency asked to hear from businesses wanting to make use of the spaces - Lion’s Lookout, Devil’s Creek, Rocky Point and Jacksons - with an expression of interest process closing on Friday (October 10). 

A spokesperson told The Central App that while any rent received would go back into a national funding kitty, any leaseholders would be expected to carry out some site maintenance. 

In the meantime, the agency is urging all lake users to take responsibility for their waste and use the Central Otago District Council’s transfer stations rather than dumping rubbish on public land. 

Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is encouraged to take a photo and report it to [email protected]. Offenders can be fined up to $5000 under the Litter Act 1979.

Details on Central Otago’s four transfer stations can be found on The Central App. 

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