I suppose I really have disgraced myself. I have let down my parents, my girlfriend's dad and the kaitiaki of Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach).
I got caught dumping a couple of trailer loads' worth of rubbish behind the dunes up 90 Mile Beach. I am aged in my early 20s, and have had years of schooling and living and recreational time on the beach in the immediate area of Waipapakauri and Paparore. I suppose it goes without saying that I should have known better.
I didn't realise there were eyes watching. There doesn't seem to be any excuse. It's not like I can claim it was a spur of the moment brain fart. I took the money for the dump from my girlfriend's dad and pocketed it.
I am going to have to wear this, as I have been summonsed to court and have some making up to do, or the police aren't going to withdraw the charge.
I apologise to Ngai Takoto iwi, who own the forest, and Summit Forests staff, who had to get a skip bin in and pick up the mess.