Swimmers advised to avoid Titahi Bay Beach following monitoring results
Regular water quality monitoring at Titahi Bay has shown an increase in faecal coliforms (which could indicate wastewater contamination) to levels that mean the water is currently considered unsafe for recreational use.
The public is warned against swimming and other recreational activity such as fishing or collecting seafood at Titahi Bay beach. Warning signs have been posted in the area and the LAWA Can I swim here? map has been updated. These warnings will remain in place until daily testing shows that the water quality has returned to safe levels. We will also keep the public updated via our social media and on our website.
There is no indication the result is related to operations at the nearby Porirua Wastewater Treatment Plant. Operational crews are currently investigating potential sources of contamination, which could include residential cross-connections or other network issues.
Swimming or entering water with potential wastewater contamination can lead to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. If you have any health concerns following contact with the water in this area then contact your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
The Hikoi on Tuesday 19th
I copied this from a Facebook page: The expected route of the hīkoi on Tuesday is from Takapuwahia Maree in Esldon towards Porirua and along Kenepuru Drive to Tawa, then up Middleton Road to Johnsonville, down Ngaraunga George and along the old Hutt Road to Wellington. They are anticipating significant congestion on the roads between 06.00am and 12.30pm.