Media Release
Thursday, 19 May 2011

Upper Hutt City Council moves to protect parks and reserves

Council takes legal action against vehicular misuse to park grounds after a driver caused significant damage.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 18 MAY 2011 /PRMediarelease/ Upper Hutt City Council, in a bid to protect its parks and reserves, successfully took court action against the driver of a vehicle for misuse of a public space. The defendant had driven past several warning signs, both prohibitive and cautionary. After becoming lodged in a known wet area, the driver continued to try to remove the vehicle before having to be towed out. The incident caused significant damage to the ground and the court ordered the defendant to reimburse the council for the cost of repair.

Council Parks Manager Brett Latimer said, “It is disappointing that in an economic climate like this, people have disregard for public property resulting in damages expenditure that could otherwise be invested to strengthen the community. This is not an isolated case. We have willful damage to our parks and recreation grounds on a regular basis. It is unfair for our ratepayers to have their money spent on remedial work resulting from inconsiderate and destructive behaviour.”

Upper Hutt City Council recently launched a campaign against tagging in the city. It calls on the public to respond against actions they find within the city of individuals tagging and damaging both public and private property.

“In one sense, this scenario is no different to tagging,” said Mr Latimer, “It’s still a visual intrusion, it’s still damage to public property, it still costs money to clean up.”

The defendant was seen in a car stuck on the grass at Maidstone Park in the early evening. In order to get to this area, the defendant had to drive past a sign prohibiting vehicles going beyond it. There is also a sign at the entrance to the park stating that vehicles are to stay off the grass.

Upper Hutt City Council is committed to maintaining and improving the standard of the community’s property but warns that it will take steps whenever possible to recover repair costs from those who cause damage to ratepayers’ property. It does not believe the ratepayers should bear the cost of damage caused by thoughtless or deliberate misconduct. The public are encouraged to report any misuse or damage of public property to the council or police in order to bring perpetrators to justice.

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

For more information on Upper Hutt City and the City Council: www.upperhuttcity.com | www.uhcc.govt.nz

ENDS

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