If you see something that looks wrong - different to what you normally see at that spot - it could be the result of an environmental incident. To report environmental incidents in the Waikato region, like harmful pollution in our waterways or offensive odours, our hotline is available 24/7.
If it’s an environmental emergency, like a time critical oil spill, always use the hotline. If it’s less urgent and you don’t require assistance from a member of our contact centre team, then you can report it online.
What we do
We’re always on call for the environment. We investigate environmental incidents in our region affecting the air, water and land under the Resource Management Act (RMA). We respond to all serious environmental incidents and, when a breach of environmental law is confirmed, take appropriate enforcement action.
What we can respond to:
Air
- Objectionable odours
- Unlawful outdoor burning
- Unlawful agrichemical application
- Other unlawful discharges to air
Water
- Unlawful discharges to streams, rivers, lakes and coastal marine areas
- Chemical or oil spills
- Sediment from unlawful activity
- Stock in waterways
- Effluent discharge to water
- Unlawful structures in the water
- Unlawful water takes, uses, damning and diversion
Land
- Unauthorised earthworks, vegetation clearance or excavations
- Unlawful disturbance to wetlands
- Unlawful effluent discharge to land
- Unapproved and unlawful large-scale dump sites
- Other unlawful discharges and spills
What we can't respond to:
These issues should be reported to your local city or district council.
Air
- Nuisance smoke in residential areas
- Noise pollution
- Health concerns such as flies
Water
- Rubbish and recycling collection
- Rubbish dumped or 'fly tipped'
- Blocked drains in towns or cities
- Drinking water issues
Land
- Animal control
- Littering
See our list of other useful contacts below to find your local council.
How to report
- Report it right – Save time and reach the right people fast by checking first that the incident falls within what we can respond to.
- Call it in quick – Always use the hotline if the issue is urgent and please note the duration and impact on you where relevant, particularly for short-lived issues like problem burning.
- Take pictures – Any supporting evidence you are able to provide could assist our ability to make swift enquiries but never put yourself at risk.
- Be specific – Noting addresses or proximity to obvious landmarks really helps our response team.
- Be contactable – Give your name and phone number so we can contact you if we need more information and keep you updated regarding the outcome.
Privacy
When you call, we’ll ask you for:
- Your name
- Your contact number
- And details of the pollution incident you wish to report
See more about how we handle privacy of your information, here.
To ask for help or report a problem, contact us
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