Noisy neighbours help Hospice

Far North bargain hunters and Hospice Mid-Northland will both benefit from the sale of audio equipment confiscated by the Police and Far North District Council noise control officers.

Last month, Council compliance staff donated a dozen audio systems to Hospice Mid-Northland. The audio equipment was confiscated from owners following repeated noise complaints from neighbours.

Under noise control regulations, the police can seize noisy equipment after an Excessive Noise Direction (END) notice has been served by a Council noise control officer and more complaints of excessive noise are received within 72 hours. 

The equipment is kept for six months and can be recovered by owners by paying $148. After that time, uncollected property can be sold by the Council.

Hospice general manager Belinda Watkins says the donated audio systems will be tested, repaired and refurbished by Hospice’s trained volunteers at its Green Shed on Kerikeri Road. It will then be sold from Hospice shops or online via Trade Me.

“Fundraising is a fact of life for us as we need to raise $800,000 per year,” she says. “When sold, this generous donation of sound equipment from the Council will raise much-needed funds so we can continue to provide free 24/7 palliative care for this community.”

Hospice Mid-Northland offers care for up to 70 patients at any given time.