Ten years ago, it was significantly worse - authorities failed to prove nearly 70 per cent of pollution matters taken before Auckland's courts. Auckland Council disputed the Statistics NZ figures, and said they do not reflect any of the records officers were able to locate. Steve Pearce, manager of regulatory compliance, referred to two high-profile cases last year, where Auckland Council prosecuted for offences relating to discharges of contaminants, which had significant sentences imposed. ROSE DAVIS/STUFF A familiar sign across some Auckland waterways. It was also far and away the region's most successful year - 75 per cent (33) of cases were proven.

Source: Stuff March 27, 2019 05:15 UTC