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: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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36.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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63.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Poll: Is Auckland’s economy improving?
The latest reporting from The Post suggests a wave of optimism for 2026. With interest rates finally heading south, businesses are feeling more positive. But for many on the ground, the real-world recovery feels a bit like a slow-moving commute on Auckland's motorways.
We want to know: Are you seeing signs of Auckland's economy improving in your industry or neighbourhood? Whether it's busier shops, new projects kicking off, or just a shift in the mood ...
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17.4% Yes
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65.8% No
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16.8% A little
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