Kūaotunu - water contamination risk

Property owners with supply from Tahunatorea Stream are advised to switch off their intake due to potential contamination from saltwater and firefighting retardant as part of firefighting efforts. Alternative freshwater will be provided as a precautionary measure while testing is being done.

Black Jack Road update

Black Jack Road, Kūaotunu, will reopen at 5pm today, 14 January, but close again at 8am tomorrow, 15 January. Access will then only be available for residents and essential travelers via a pilot vehicle every hour, on the hour, until 5pm. This will help firefighters continue to take control of a large scrub fire.

Find out the latest

Latest Water Restrictions

Pāuanui, Tairua, and Hāhei have Level 5 Watering Bans in place until further notice. Using hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems is not permitted. Matarangi has a Level 3 - Alternate Days restriction in place.

Find out about water restrictions

Close this announcement

Contamination risk to private water supply in Kūaotunu

Published on 13 January 2025

All properties connected to the private water supply from the Tahunatorea Stream are being advised to switch off their water intake due to the potential introduction of saltwater and firefighting retardant into the water source.

This follows information from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) about ongoing firefighting efforts in the area.

Water testing is currently underway to determine if contaminants are present.

Freshwater tankers have been dispatched to provide an alternative water supply to affected properties. Although this is not a Council-operated water supply, these are being provided as a precautionary measure to protect our community health while testing is undertaken.