A Milton businessman says he is fed up with complaints that his recycling company is an “thorn in the side”.
Kiwi Auto Parts (also trading as Otago Wreckers) opened in 2019 on the site of Milton’s disused flour mill and wool processor by owner-operator Bill Barekzai, who said that in addition to ongoing criticism and complaints, they were regularly the target of harassment, theft and a suspected arson in 2020.
Complaints – including a letter published in the Otago Daily Times — are centered on stacked cars visible from State Highway 1 at the south entrance to Milton, and a perceived risk of car fluids contaminating the Tokomairiro River.
But Mr Barekzai, who is from Afghanistan, said pollution was prevented, and he and his team were engaged in “recycling”.
“We buy wrecks from all over Otago to supply second-hand parts locally,” he said.
“It’s tough for a lot of businesses right now, but Milton is a city of opportunity. We’ve invested over $1 million here, a lot of people have helped us a lot, and we’ve got some great relationships, including seven employees with families. I think some people will always cause conflict or complain – until they have a pranging or want a cheap set of tires.”
Tami Sargeant, compliance manager for the Otago Regional Council (ORC), said four complaints have been received against the company this year, regarding potential contamination of the Tokomairiro River, flood risks, asbestos and traffic management.
However, none of these had led to compliance actions.
“ORC has conducted multiple site visits to investigate the concerns and has not observed any contaminants entering land or water.
“ORC understands that all liquids are removed from the vehicles in their workshop before stacking them on site. Water samples from the Tokomairiro River have not detected any contaminants.”
A resident, who declined to be named, was concerned about Milton’s beautification.
“If they test the water and it’s good, then the problem is solved – except it’s an eyesore, which can be addressed.
Mr Barekzai said he is taking steps to address this issue.
He said he hoped his landlord would facilitate the movement of cars to the rear of the property, and cited a downturn in the international scrap market as a factor in wreck build-up.
He wondered why his company was being targeted.
“The night after we had a local contractor lay 490 tons of gravel, someone tried to burn us out,” he said.
“We have told people accusing us of breaking the law to contact our lawyer – nothing is happening. This is an industrial zone, we stockpile like our neighbors according to regulations, but we are the only those who are targeted.”
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the municipality had also been approached by residents concerned about the company’s compliance with regulations.
“I don’t think there are any problems with the statutes.
“The landowners have said they will move the cars to the back of the building, but obviously nothing has happened.”