Emergency wastewater valves now closed

Wastewater valves were closed at 1:30pm on Thursday 22 January 2026 and discharges have stopped.

At 1.20am this morning we were forced to open emergency wastewater valves at the Wainui Road and Oak Street pump stations, to prevent wastewater from overflowing back into people's homes and properties in the city, and onto roads, causing a significant health risk.  The valves were closed at 1:30pm this afternoon.

For the next 5 days we advise no swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches from the time valves were closed, and warning signs are removed.

The discharge is primarily driven by widespread surface flooding across town, with intense rainfall inundating the network and overwhelming the wastewater system with stormwater and affects city rivers and Waikanae beach.

Contact with these waterways is likely to pose a risk to health.

We have notified Hauora Tairāwhiti Medical Officer of Health. We will also notify the water users and sports groups.

Temporary warning signs will be installed at swimming and recreation sites.

For more information on the DrainWise project that works to reduce the risk of discharges happening, or to get in touch with the team, email Drainwise@gdc.govt.nz

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