There is an ongoing untreated wastewater discharge from Moa Point. We strongly recommend the public stay out of the water on the South coast of Wellington. Do not collect kai moana.

Wellington Water is responding to a significant incident at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant which has resulted in untreated wastewater discharging into Tarakena Bay on the south coast.

Boil water notice for Pirinoa, South Wairarapa. Boil water before use including drinking, preparing food, making baby formula or brushing teeth.

Boil water before use including drinking, preparing food, making baby formula or brushing teeth. 

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About Us / News And Media / News And Media / Moa Point Inquiry

Published 12/02/2026

Moa Point inquiry

Moa Point inquiry

Wellington Water fully supports an inquiry into the incident at Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is now clear that the inquiry will begin as soon as possible, and we will cooperate fully alongside our work to bring the plant back into operation.   
  
Now the inquiry has been signalled, it is important we allow that process to run its course. This means that we are unable to provide any further public statements regarding aspects of the Moa Point incident and response that may be included in the inquiry.  
 
Public health and safety remains our priority, and we are committed to transparency while meeting our legal obligations. We also appreciate the high level of public and media interest in this incident. 
 
We will still provide the public with regular: 
•    operational updates on our work at the plant to bring it back into operation 
•    public health advice, and  
•    water sampling results. 
 
As our response moves into the next phase of work to bring the plant back into operation, these updates will begin to be published daily through our Facebook, website and shared with media.  
 
We are also acutely aware of the impact of odour on the community, and do not take this lightly. We want to assure the local community that we are taking action to reduce odour and the timeframe of any potential impact. We will work to keep the community informed as this work progresses. 
  
We want to reiterate our appreciation to the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 

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