Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Beach water quality for week starting 03 January:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Matapouri 1st Bridge
• Matapouri 2nd Bridge
• Kowharewa Bay
• Ngunguru Toilets
• Ohawini Bay
• Mangawhai Harbour Pontoon
• Tokerau Beach
• Opua Foreshore

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.  Find out more about what NRC test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml

This weeks' results:

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Ahipara, in front of campground	109871	Green: Safe to swim	87
Matai Bay, in front of campground	102326	Green: Safe to swim	99
Shipwreck Bay	109870	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Tokerau Beach	109872	Red: Unsafe to swim	560
Waipapakauri	109873	Green: Safe to swim	<10

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

NOTE: We also randomly sampled the Wairoa Stream at Ahipara, this site was 'Orange:Caution'.

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Baylys Beach	109876	Green: Safe to swim	10
Glinks Gully	100798	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Omamari Beach	109875	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Pahi, 150m NW jetty	102198	Orange: Caution	20
Pahi, at rocky groyne	102579	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Tinopai, below shops	102310	Green: Safe to swim	99
Tinopai, below Puapua Creek	101232	Green: Safe to swim	<10

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.  

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Lang's Beach, Mid-Beach	108318	Green: Safe to swim	75
Mangawhai, Motorcamp foreshore	101210	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Mangawhai Heads, Beach	109890	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Mangawhai Harbour, Picnic Bay	110322	Orange: Caution	192
Mangawhai Harbour, at Pontoon	110320	Red: Unsafe to swim	>2005
One Tree Point	109266	Green: Safe to swim	10
Ruakaka, River	108314	Green: Safe to swim	42
Ruakaka, Beach	108315	Green: Safe to swim	10
Uretiti Beach	109888	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Waipu Cove	108316	Green: Safe to swim	42

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Results
Bland Bay	109889	Green: Safe to swim	10
Kerikeri, Skudders Beach	100974	Green: Safe to swim	42
Oakura, North Bay	101345	Green: Safe to swim	10
Ohawini Bay	105388	Red: Unsafe to swim	885
Opua, foreshore	101418	Red: Unsafe to swim	1652
Paihia, Te Haumi	101195	Orange: Caution	150
Paihia, beside toilets	101194	Green: Safe to swim	10
Paihia, Waitangi Bridge	101183	Green: Safe to swim	111
Russell, Mid-North	105710	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Teal Bay	101331	Green: Safe to swim	10

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Results
Church Bay	105448	Red: Unsafe to swim	885
Kowharewa Bay	106444	Orange: Caution	207
Matapouri, at first bridge (south bridge)	100711	Green: Safe to swim	10
Matapouri, at second bridge (north bridge)	100712	Green: Safe to swim	75
Matapouri, Beach	110321	Orange: Caution	238
Ngunguru, at Motor Camp	100073	Green: Safe to swim	20
Ngunguru, at Norfolk pine	100076	Green: Safe to swim	42
Ngunguru, at toilets	108320	Green: Safe to swim	42
Pacific Bay	108313	Red: Unsafe to swim	406
Sandy Bay	109879	Green: Safe to swim	75
Wellingtons Bay	109880	Green: Safe to swim	124
Whananaki, footbridge	103147	Orange: Caution	2005
Whananaki, East beach	106938	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Woolleys Bay	109878	Green: Safe to swim	<10

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Beach water quality for week starting 27 December:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Matapouri 1st Bridge
• Matapouri 2nd Bridge
• Kowharewa Bay
• Ngunguru Toilets
• Ohawini Bay

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.  Find out more about what NRC test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml

This weeks' results:

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

NOTE: We also randomly sampled the Wairoa Stream at Ahipara, this site was 'Unsafe to swim'.

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Baylys Beach	109876	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Glinks Gully	100798	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Omamari Beach	109875	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Pahi, 150m NW jetty	102198	Green: Safe to swim	75
Pahi, at rocky groyne	102579	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Tinopai, below shops	102310	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Tinopai, below Puapua Creek	101232	Orange: Caution	42

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.  

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Lang's Beach, Mid-Beach	108318	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Mangawhai, Motorcamp foreshore	101210	Orange: Caution	42
Mangawhai Heads, Beach	109890	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Mangawhai Harbour, Picnic Bay	110322	Green: Safe to swim	53
Mangawhai Harbour, at Pontoon	110320	Green: Safe to swim	10
One Tree Point	109266	Green: Safe to swim	20
Ruakaka, River	108314	Green: Safe to swim	10
Ruakaka, Beach	108315	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Uretiti Beach	109888	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Waipu Cove	108316	Green: Safe to swim	<10

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites. 

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Results
Church Bay	105448	Green: Safe to swim	99
Kowharewa Bay	106444	Green: Safe to swim	124
Matapouri, at first bridge (south bridge)	100711	Red: Unsafe to swim	1013
Matapouri, at second bridge (north bridge)	100712	Red: Unsafe to swim	945
Matapouri, Beach	110321	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Ngunguru, at Motor Camp	100073	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Ngunguru, at Norfolk pine	100076	Green: Safe to swim	75
Ngunguru, at toilets	108320	Red: Unsafe to swim	909
Pacific Bay	108313	Orange: Caution	271
Sandy Bay	109879	Red: Unsafe to swim	531
Wellingtons Bay	109880	Green: Safe to swim	124
Whananaki, footbridge	103147	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Whananaki, East beach	106938	Green: Safe to swim	87
Woolleys Bay	109878	Green: Safe to swim	<10

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Freshwater quality for week starting 27 December:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Ocean Beach Stream
• Otamure Bay Stream
• Whangarei Falls
• Raumanga Stream
• Waipu Cove Stream
• Coopers Beach Stream
• Mangakahia River above Twin Bridges
• Otaua Stream at Otaua Road Bridge
• Kapiro Stream at Purerua Rd
• Victoria River at DOC reserve

NOTE: Some results remain high as a result of the ongoing rainfall. Remember the four simple rules:

• Don't swim if there are warning signs indicating water is unsafe
• Avoid swimming two to three days after heavy rain
• Don't swim if water looks dirty/murky, smells or it has scum on the surface
• Be aware of potential sources of contamination nearby or upstream

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Find out more about what NRC test for

 Green: safe to swim
 E. coli less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 E. coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 E. coli count more than 550/100ml

This weeks' results:

The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland.  All locations are in alphabetical order.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road	110324	Orange: Caution	457
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Red: Unsafe to swim	6867
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	173
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Red: Unsafe to swim	669
Kerikeri, Stone Store	101530	Green:  Safe to swim	110
Lake Coca Cola	110323	Green:  Safe to swim	30
Lake Ngatu, south end	100402	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Langs Beach, toilets	100686	Red: Unsafe to swim	754
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Red: Unsafe to swim	2359
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	135
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Red: Unsafe to swim	1259
Otaua Stream	108510	Orange: Caution	379
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Orange: Caution	487
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Green:  Safe to swim	161
Twin Bridges	105973	Red: Unsafe to swim	576
Victoria River	104908	Red: Unsafe to swim	624
Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock	110348	Green:  Safe to swim	246
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	Green:  Safe to swim	110
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Orange: Caution	399
Waipu Cove Stream	101207	Green:  Safe to swim	256
Waitangi, at Lilypond	104830	Green:  Safe to swim	161
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	31
Whangarei Falls	105972	Red: Unsafe to swim	620

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

People visiting the Kerikeri Basin near the Stone Store - one of Northland's iconic tourism and heritage sites - could come face-to-face with a sign warning them the water is polluted.

The Stone Store in Kerikeri. Photo / Greg Robertson.

The public are being warned not to swim at a raft of Northland locations after they failed water-quality testing the week before Christmas.

The Kerikeri Basin is one of them. There is such widespread failure of freshwater quality after the recent rain that district councils are not putting up warning signs at some sites.

Half the 28 tested returned high enough readings of E. coli bacteria to be declared unsafe. The 14 failed sites, mainly freshwater streams, had E. coli counts of more than 550/100ml water. Others received orange-alert warnings for levels above 260/100ml.

Also failing the safety test in the Far North were Ahipara by the motor camp, Skudders Beach, Aurere Beach stream, Coopers Beach stream, the Kapiro Bridge-Pururua Rd stream, Tirohanga Stream, Taipa, Opononi, Twin Bridges, Victoria River, Otaua Stream, Waipapa basin at Charlie's Rock and Waitangi Bridge.

In Whangarei, red cards apply to Ocean Beach stream, Otamure Bay stream, Waipu Cove Stream, Ruakaka Stream, Matapouri Bay bridges, Kowharewa Bay, Ngunguru Motor Camp and Ohawini Bay.

Several others including Whangarei Falls and Raumanga Stream have orange alerts.

Unfortunate as it is that popular spots are marred by pollution, the warnings are necessary "and at least honest", says eco-tourism operator Jeroen Jongejans.

"Everybody is upset about this, not just councils and tourism operators but everybody who wants to believe in a clean, green Northland," he said.

"I think that 20 years ago, we had a worse problem but we didn't know about it then. Now we're demanding higher standards and more action.

"We're working on it but there is no quick fix. The reality is you'd find similar results anywhere there were animals and humans," said Mr Jongejans, who is on the Northland Conservation Board, Whangarei District Council and the Tourism Development Group.

Medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman was out of the district and asked for time to examine the results before commenting.

Swimming in contaminated water can cause skin, eye and ear infections and stomach and respiratory illnesses. Bacteria can be swallowed or inhaled and can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes.

People should avoid swimming in freshwater streams two to three days after heavy rain.

- APN 5:30 AM Thursday Dec 30, 2010

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Freshwater quality for week starting 20 December:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Ocean Beach Stream
• Otamure Bay Stream
• Whangarei Falls
• Raumanga Stream
• Waipu Cove Stream
• Coopers Beach Stream
• Mangakahia River above Twin Bridges
• Otaua Stream at Otaua Road Bridge

NOTE: "Unsafe To Swim" signs have not been placed at all sites that have failed! Please see all results below

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Find out more about what NRC test for

 Green: safe to swim
 E. coli less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 E. coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 E. coli count more than 550/100ml

This weeks' results:

The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland.  All locations are in alphabetical order.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road	110324	Red: Unsafe to swim	9208
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Red: Unsafe to swim	7701
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	173
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Red: Unsafe to swim	820
Kerikeri, Stone Store	101530	Red: Unsafe to swim	3076
Lake Coca Cola	110323	Green:  Safe to swim	41
Lake Ngatu, south end	100402	Green:  Safe to swim	20
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Langs Beach, toilets	100686	Orange: Caution	402
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Red: Unsafe to swim	1081
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	134
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Red: Unsafe to swim	860
Otaua Stream	108510	Red: Unsafe to swim	697
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Red: Unsafe to swim* See note below	857*
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Red: Unsafe to swim	2359
Twin Bridges	105973	Red: Unsafe to swim	609
Victoria River	104908	Red: Unsafe to swim	1178
Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock	110348	Red: Unsafe to swim	644
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	173
Waipu Cove Stream	101207	Red: Unsafe to swim	1019
Waitangi, at Lilypond	104830	Red: Unsafe to swim	3076
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	52
Whangarei Falls	105972	Orange: Caution	512

* NOTE: Whangarei District Council re-sampled Raumanga Stream on 23/12/2010 and the E.coli result was 326 'Orange: Caution' status.

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Beach water quality for week starting 20 December:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Matapouri 1st Bridge
• Kowharewa Bay
• Ngunguru Motor Camp
• Ohawini Bay

NOTE: No additional signs placed by Far North District Council this week as most sites deemed unsafe for swimming after heavy rainfall.

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.  Find out more about what NRC test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml

This weeks' results:

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Ahipara, in front of campground	109871	Red: Unsafe to swim	364
Matai Bay, in front of campground	102326	Green: Safe to swim	64
Shipwreck Bay	109870	Green: Safe to swim	42
Tokerau Beach	109872	Green: Safe to swim	10
Waipapakauri	109873	Green: Safe to swim	31

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Cable Bay	105780	Green: Safe to swim	20
Coopers Beach	101066	Green: Safe to swim	31
Matauri Bay	102425	Green: Safe to swim	No data
Taipa	105777	Red: Unsafe to swim	>2005

NOTE: We also randomly sampled the Wairoa Stream at Ahipara, this site was 'Unsafe to swim'.

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Omapere	102317	Green: Safe to swim	124
Opononi	106011	Red: Unsafe to swim	531
Rawene	100236	Green: Safe to swim	<10

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.  

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Lang's Beach, Mid-Beach	108318	Green: Safe to swim	53
Mangawhai, Motorcamp foreshore	101210	Green: Safe to swim	31
Mangawhai Heads, Beach	109890	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Mangawhai Harbour, Picnic Bay	110322	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Mangawhai Harbour, at Pontoon	110320	Green: Safe to swim	10
One Tree Point	109266	Green: Safe to swim	64
Ruakaka, River	108314	Orange: Caution	150
Ruakaka, Beach	108315	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Uretiti Beach	109888	Green: Safe to swim	20
Waipu Cove	108316	Orange: Caution	207

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Results
Bland Bay	109889	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Kerikeri, Skudders Beach	100974	Red: Unsafe to swim	1445
Oakura, North Bay	101345	Green: Safe to swim	10
Ohawini Bay	105388	Red: Unsafe to swim* See note below	591*
Opua, foreshore	101418	Green: Safe to swim	42
Paihia, Te Haumi	101195	Green: Safe to swim	20
Paihia, beside toilets	101194	Green: Safe to swim	53
Paihia, Waitangi Bridge	101183	Red: Unsafe to swim	697
Russell, Mid-North	105710	Green: Safe to swim	20
Teal Bay	101331	Orange: Caution	192

* NOTE: Whangarei District Council re-sampled Ohawini Bay on 22/12/2010 and the Enterococci was 199 - 'Orange - Caution' status.

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Results
Church Bay	105448	Green: Safe to swim	64
Kowharewa Bay	106444	Red: Unsafe to swim	697
Matapouri, at first bridge (south bridge)	100711	Orange: Caution	254
Matapouri, at second bridge (north bridge)	100712	Orange: Caution	254
Matapouri, Beach	110321	Green: Safe to swim	10
Ngunguru, at Motor Camp	100073	Red: Unsafe to swim	207
Ngunguru, at Norfolk pine	100076	Green: Safe to swim	31
Ngunguru, at toilets	108320	Orange: Caution	238
Pacific Bay	108313	Green: Safe to swim	87
Sandy Bay	109879	Green: Safe to swim	87
Wellingtons Bay	109880	Green: Safe to swim	124
Whananaki, footbridge	103147	Orange: Caution	53
Whananaki, East beach	106938	Green: Safe to swim	10
Woolleys Bay	109878	Green: Safe to swim	31

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

22nd December 2010

Seabird Deaths

 Result of Unusual Weather Patterns

Concerns over the large numbers of dead penguins, along with other seabirds washing up on beaches around the Far North over the past few weeks have been tracked back to a weather phenomenon.

 Autopsies on dead birds have revealed the birds are dying from starvation. This is the result of the biggest La Nina weather pattern since 1975. La Nina affects the mixing of water columns and currents, producing storms and warmer sea conditions. The storms and warm seas affect the seabirds’ ability to nest successfully, and find enough food. This will cause dead seabirds to wash up on our shores over summer.

Department of Conservation Area Manager in Kaitaia, Jon Maxwell says that although the large numbers of dead birds on the beach is distressing, it is the result of a natural phenomenon. “The sad reality is 2010/11 is going to be a tough year for seabird populations. However 2009/10 was an excellent breeding season, so the populations will be able to cope with this year’s losses,” says Mr Maxwell.

 Mr Maxwell advises people finding dead birds to avoid touching them to avoid the risk of disease, especially from penguins. And any live or struggling birds should be left. “It’s extremely difficult to care for penguins and seabirds. Although a tough call, its best to let nature take its course, says Mr Maxwell.

Ends

For further information,

contact: Carolyn Smith,

Programme Manager,

Community Relations,

Kaitaia Area Office

09 408 6190 or 0274 829 036.

6 Month Monitoring Position with DoC

The Department O f Conservation have a position available for 6mths on the Northland Outcome Monitoring Team based in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, and would like to spread the word to find the right person.

Ultimately the person will:

• be fit with backcountry, field experience
• have knowledge of or genuine interest in NZ native plants
• computer skills
• previous biodiversity experience
• strong people skills, ability to work well in a small team
• be able to stay overnight for up to a week at a time
• start mid/late January 2011

The summer programme includes Foliar Browse Index (FBI) monitoring for possum damage, 20x20m permanent plot re-measurement and some threatened plant monitoring.

The work will provide the opportunity to experience some very special places throughout Northland.

If this sounds exciting to you or you know someone who would be interested please give Cinzia a call on (09) 407 0321 or email cvestena@doc.govt.nz to find out more.

We would appreciate heaps of enthusiasm and a current C.V. Please forward this email to anyone you think may be interested.

Thank you very much,

Fi

Fiona Cameron

Northland Outcome Monitoring Team

Department of Conservation

Bay of Island Area Office

P.O. Box 128 Kerikeri

VPN: 7533

Phone: (09) 407 0303