‘Disgusting’ behaviour on beach upsets locals

INVERCARGILL residents are worried about increased bad behaviour at Oreti Beach — such as burning cars, speeding, littering and leaving behind human faeces.

Gavin Booth and Joyce Kolk are pleading with their community to be mindful and take care of the city’s ‘‘jewel in the crown’’.

Mr Booth said Oreti Beach was used by all kinds of groups within the community — such as fishers, families, surfers and dog walkers.

Since December he felt there had been an increase in littering at the site as well as people speeding and disregarding the safety of others.

‘‘Just on [last] Friday night, there were five cars racing each other at 100kmh. I could hear it from my own house.

‘‘Every time I walk the dog on the beach, there are people doing inconsiderate things, not thinking about other people’s safety. It is very concerning.’’

He believed the majority of people respected the place, but a minority spoiled the experience for many which was a shame.

‘‘We can’t just take it for granted. It’s a privilege. Yes. And if we don’t look after it, it will be taken from us.’’

Mrs Kolk, who was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for her services to conservation in 2019, agrees.

She said the council should consider closing the site at night.

‘‘It is usually when those things happen.

‘‘I went there with Gavin to see with my own eyes and it’s not that someone was caught short because they had even used toilet paper. It is disgusting.’’

She knows residents who did not go or walk to the beach anymore due to those concerns.

Mr Booth wants to create a group with other members of the community to look after the beach.

‘‘People can contact me and together we can work to make the beach safer and enjoyable for everyone.’’

Invercargill City Council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain said while staff had not noticed an increase in littering, they always encouraged the community to consider the environment, wildlife and our wonderful spaces while at the beach.

‘‘The environmental team collects litter and other discarded items left at the beach or on the sand dunes. Where possible, our team will educate members of the public about the impact littering has on our beach and responsible ways to dispose of rubbish.’’

A police spokeswoman said the speed limit at Oreti Beach was 30kmh and that police monitored the area.