Bay of Plenty council probes cable theft burn-offs behind Kawerau odour

All areas of Kawerau have been subject to strong chemical smells over the past week. Photo / Whakatāne Beacon

A series of wire and cable thefts in the Kawerau area may be linked to a strong chemical smell residents have been reporting.

The current theory is that the thieves are using fire to strip the cable down to its valuable metal.

Since September 21, Bay of Plenty Regional Council has received 41 calls to its Pollution Hotline regarding a strong chemical smell of burning plastic or rubber.

At first it was suspected to be a resident burning rubbish or an industrial site.

Regulatory compliance manager Stephen Mellor said while the calls were most frequent at the beginning of last week and had slowed since then, the smell was reported over the weekend of September 27-28.

“The odour has been detected right across the Kawerau township,” Mellor said.

“Industrial sources have been inspected and ruled out at this stage, as wind conditions do not align with the industrial area being the source.”

The regional council had been working with New Zealand Police, and both agencies believed the odour to be linked to a series of wire and cable thefts in Kawerau.

“Several small dump sites and burn piles have been found, but those responsible have not yet been identified,” Mellor said.

“As a reminder, burning plastics and rubber can release harmful substances that may affect the health of people in close proximity.”

Anyone experiencing a strong chemical smell should call the Pollution Hotline on 0800 884883.

Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.