Gisborne's wastewater system has been flooded with intense periods of rainfall draining from residential properties.
To prevent sewage from overflowing back into homes and onto roads and causing a significant health risk, the emergency sewer valve at Oak Street into the Taruheru River and Gladstone Road Bridge was opened into the Turanganui River at 1pm on 26 December 2024.
The discharge is highly diluted with rainwater, but still poses a health risk. Gisborne District Council advises no swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in rivers and beaches until at least 5 days after the valves are closed and warning signs are removed.
Read more: Sewer overflow | Gisborne District Council