Aucklanders wishing to make cultural or religious offerings to the Manukau Harbour are being urged to be mindful and speak with Auckland Council beforehand.
Offerings to the harbour can consist of clothing, food or small objects such a statues. As these items can wash up on the beach afterwards, this may inadvertently be in breach of the council’s litter bylaw.
"We recommend those who wish to make cultural offerings use naturally occurring materials, such as clay, or opt to bury these offerings on their own/private property, which we have been advised is a culturally accepted practice," Councillor Linda Cooper says.
"The council, through myself and nominated staff members, are working with members of the Indian community and Te Waka Angamua, our Maori liaison unit, on a draft set of guidelines on cultural offerings at the Manukau Harbour," Councillor Cooper says.
These guidelines are still being discussed, says Councillor Calum Penrose, who is also part of this group.
"In the interim, we advise members of the public to be mindful when making cultural offerings and not fall foul of littering rules.
"Anyone intending to carry out an offering should speak with the council first on 09 301 0101, to see if there is a way to accommodate this practice within the council’s regulations and bylaws," Councillor Penrose says.
