Warning issued following wastewater spill at Tokerau Beach

**UPDATE 6 Jan**

The all-clear has been given for beachgoers to again swim and collect shellfish at the north end of Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi.

Daily testing following a wastewater spill at the beach on 2 January show that water quality has returned to normal, and signs warning users not to swim or collect shellfish will be removed. 

_________________________________________________

Beachgoers are being warned not to swim or collect shellfish at the north end of Tokerau Beach Whatuwhiwhi after a pump failure caused a wastewater spill near the beach.

An automatic alarm alerted Far North Waters (FNW) Alliance team members about the pump failure earlier today (Tuesday 2 January 2024). A crew was immediately sent to the station to clean up the spill using a sucker truck and to replace the pump. The sucker truck will remain on site until the station is operating normally again.

Staff have confirmed that some wastewater did run onto the beach. However, the tide was out at the time, so it is uncertain whether any entered the sea. The affected beach area is also being cleaned.  

As a precaution, signs warning beachgoers not to swim or collect shellfish have been erected along the beach. Local hapū have been advised of the spill, as has Northland Regional Council and Te Whatu Ora.

Water samples were taken today and will be tested tomorrow (3 January). Results will be known within 24 hours. Until those results are known, beachgoers are advised to not to swim or collect shellfish in the area.

Far North Waters is an Alliance between the Far North District Council and Ventia for the operation and management of water assets in the district.