Mayor on spit patrol

By RENEE KIRIONA

John Banks wants Aucklanders to tell immigrants who spit on city pavements that the "filthy habit" is not welcome here.

The Auckland City Mayor's comments follow statements by civic and business leaders in the Auckland region who say they are disgusted by immigrants, mainly from Asia, using pavements as handkerchiefs.

Mr Banks said he had seen immigrants spitting in public on several occasions.

"I don't hold back in stopping them in the street and telling them that in this country we don't do that.

"In fact, I would encourage more Aucklanders who witness this type of insulting and filthy behaviour to hit them up as well.

"We need to remind them that they are welcome here, but their filthy habits aren't."

While those caught spitting could face a fine of $120, Mr Banks believed education was the solution rather than tough sanctions.

"Many of them come from countries where spitting in public is acceptable and when they come here they assume it's the same."

Auckland City views spitting on pavements as a public health concern but the Auckland District Health Board has a different opinion.

Public health medical officer Craig Thornley said that while public spitting was culturally unacceptable it was unlikely to create any infectious outbreaks. "I think spitting in public places plays absolutely no role in the transmission of tuberculosis in this country."

China has made sporadic efforts to ban the practice. During the Sars epidemic the fine was raised to $34.50 but it wasn't enforced.