A former Whangarei mayoral candidate is facing a fine of up to $200,000 after a pond of raw sewage was found on his property.
Don Hedges, 70, is in double trouble with the Whangarei District Council, which not only has discovered the sewage at 17 Limeburners St but also a transient man living illegally at number 21. Both properties are owned by Mr Hedges.
A Whangarei District Council letter explaining that a council inspection had found a transient person at 21 Limeburners St. The letter pointed out the lower floor of the house, where the transient was living, needed repair. It leaked, had no toilet or hot water and was unsanitary.
Mr Hedges, a mayoral candidate in 2007, was given seven days to get rid of the man otherwise an insanitary notice would be attached to the building.
Another letter from the council threatened Mr Hedges with a fine of up to $200,000 unless he connected 17 Limeburners St to reticulated sewerage. He had until Saturday to advise the council of the contractor who would do the job.
But Mr Hedges said the pond of raw sewage at number 17 was the result of an excavation accident.
"The council used to clean the tanks but now the property owner has to do it. All I need to do is put a new pipe in and put a cover over it. I need some physical help to do it but it would probably only take 20 minutes."
Fixing the septic tank wasn't a priority for him though, as "I only live by myself and don't have any running water anyway."
A pipe supplying water to the house was also broken and Mr Hedges said he gathered water in saucepans, which he filled with a hose in the garden.
"The council's ultimatum is unrealistic, unmanageable and impossible. If they want to pursue me through the courts I say go for it."
He admitted 21 Limeburners St needed work but said it was adequate for his needs. While the toilet had no running water, it could be filled with a hose before being flushed into a working septic tank, he said.
The accommodation was "better than living under bridges and in parks", and without his assistance the transient might have gone to jail.
"Street people with medical and mental problems need to be addressed. They're a bad social problem and are involved with thieving, alcohol and drugs ... but having him here is mutually advantageous.
"I've noticed a complete change of attitude since he's been here and he appreciates my hospitality."
Sewage pond causes stink
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