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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/19/wellington-raw-sewage-leak-spill-water-new-zealand>
"A tide of anger is rising in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, as the city’s
toilets continue to flush directly into the ocean more than two weeks after the
catastrophic collapse of its wastewater treatment plant.
Millions of litres of raw and partially screened sewage have been pouring into
pristine reefs and a marine reserve along the south coast daily since 4
February, prompting a national inquiry, as the authorities struggle to get the
decimated plant operational.
Abandoned beaches, public health warning signs and seagulls eating human waste
are now features of the popular coastline, with the environmental disaster zone
adjacent to the airport where thousands of international visitors alight every
day.
Fears for the safety of marine ecosystems – including vulnerable species such
as the little blue penguin, or kororā, which nest along the shore – are mixed
with concerns over the length and cost of disruption to those who depend on the
coast for income, wellness, and recreation.
As a southerly storm whipped through the lower North Island and churned up
polluted seawater this week, hundreds of residents turned out to a public
meeting to seek answers.
“They’re warning us to close our windows because a shit-laden hurricane is
coming at us,” said the south coast resident and environmentalist Eugene Doyle,
whose house faces the sea. “Everyone in charge has done an appalling job, and
they need to be held accountable.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
