An Indian-origin Auckland man says he has filed complaints with police and raised concerns with Netsafe after a video of an alleged littering incident went viral online, triggering days of abusive messages and calls.

The incident occurred on 4 April in Alfriston, Auckland, when Mr A (name withheld) and a friend were filmed allegedly attempting to dispose of cardboard near a roadside area.

Mr A told The Indian Weekender he has apologised to police and the individual who filmed the incident, and is willing to pay any fine if required.

Police confirmed they received a report relating to the incident and said inquiries are in the early stages.

In the video, a passing motorist confronts the pair while filming, accusing them of littering and telling them, “don’t come to our country and litter,” alongside abusive language.

The footage has been widely shared on social media, attracting thousands of reactions and further reposts across platforms.

Mr A said the situation escalated after he was targeted with abusive calls and messages for several days following the video’s circulation.

He also alleged the person who recorded the footage damaged his car’s side mirror, raising safety concerns.

According to Mr A, he and his friend had intended to dispose of several large cardboard pieces but found recycling facilities in Manurewa and Papakura closed due to a public holiday. He said they briefly left the items on a grassy area before being confronted.

Mr A said he later returned the cardboard to the vehicle and apologised during the confrontation shown in the video.

He also contacted Netsafe regarding the online circulation of the footage. However, he said he was informed the content did not breach community standards, limiting its removal.

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