Trash mars beauty of area

These two photos were taken by Marian Cherry on the same evening at the same location — Hokio Beach.

While one shows the stunning natural beauty we are lucky to experience here in Horowhenua, just below the dune the photographer is standing on are smelly, ripped old mattresses and rubbish that have been dumped on the beach by someone thoughtless and selfish.

Most of us may find it hard to fathom living a life where we have this little awareness of the world around us, and such a narrow mind that dumping rubbish on a beach could be considered acceptable.

It is disrespectful to our planet, our district and our home and there is no excuse for it, financial or otherwise.

Unfortunately this kind of dumping, also called fly-tipping, happens in our district far too often, and frequently in areas of natural beauty that we all should be protecting.

If you see anyone dumping rubbish somewhere they shouldn’t, take down their registration plate or other identifying details and inform the local council or police as soon as possible.

If you see dumped rubbish, don’t assume someone has reported it already — make the call. The health of our district, and the planet, is the responsibility of us all.

Horowhenua District Council can be reached on 06 366 0999 and Levin Police on 06 366 0500.