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.
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
-
76.4% Inside!
-
23.6% On top!
Don't overthink this riddle...
I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
