A Tauranga dumping spot for abandoned cars is finally being cleaned up. Over the years many cars have been dumped in an area of scrubland in Matapihi, but Rowe Motors teamed up with Downer EDI Works Limited on Thursday morning to clean it up.

Scotty Martin from Rowe Motors with Russell Martin and David Tata from Downer connect the chain to the car.

At least four wreckages were found in the area.

One, a Mitsubishi Lancer, had been in the scrubland for about 20 years.

The vehicles were removed by attaching a long metal chain from a large tow truck and then hauling them out.

Rowe Motors and Downer staff had to cut their way through the thick scrub with chainsaws.

It took about 10 to 15 minutes for the vehicles to be hauled out.

The bank the cars were hoisted up was about 5m high and steep.

Rowe Motors hauled the wrecks away.

Downer leading hand foreman, Russell Williams, says it is important to keep the Bay clean and tidy.

'When we have such an idyllic environment in the Bay, it's a pity people use this method of disposal in their neighbourhood.”