Cleaning the streets: Fine of $1000 for littering proposed

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye says the city's streets need to be litter-free. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Litter bugs might be lighter in the pocket if proposed legislation to tackle the problem passes parliamentary muster.

A motion chucked in the private members' bill ballot by National's Jono Naylor increase the maximum fine for dropping rubbish to $1000 from $400.

Auckland Central's MP, National's Nikki Kaye, said the move would be a good step toward cleaning up the country's biggest city.

"I have long been concerned about the amount of waste in the CBD, and litter on our streets. I spent a morning working as a rubbish collector a few years ago, and in just three hours I collected over three tonnes of rubbish from the CBD," she said.

"If the bill is passed into law I would advocate for Auckland Council to impose the maximum fine possible for littering. We are a world-class city, the first stop for many international tourists and our city streets should reflect this.

"We don't have to look far to see the effect litter has on our environment - all too often rubbish ends up in our harbour and on the sea floor. Coxs Bay and the Pt Erin Coastline are home to litter and all too often volunteers are left to clean it up."

Ms Kaye said people living in urban areas needed to take care about disposing of rubbish.

"The message is simple - put your litter in the bin or take it home. Treat our city like you would treat your home or backyard. We all want a city we can be proud of - one that is clean and free of litter."