Untreated wastewater discharged to Tarakena Bay
Untreated wastewater discharged to Tarakena Bay

Signs are in place along the coastline to alert water users of areas which may be impacted by this event. Health NZ advise to stay away from Tarakena Bay and do not swim, surf or kayak along Wellington’s south coast until further notice. Do not gather shellfish or kaimoana from the south coast area from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay.

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Published 20/04/2026

Short outfall pipe discharge from Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant

Due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area, the short outfall is currently discharging untreated, unscreened wastewater into Tarakena Bay, and it is likely to be travelling around the coastline.

We will update you when the discharge has stopped. 

Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches along the south coast. 

Public Health information is available here

Editor notes

Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.

Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.

Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.

The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.

Media Enquiries

Email address:  Media@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Phone number: 021 302 259