Toxic algae warning issued for length of Canterbury's Ashley River
A health warning has been issued for the length of the Canterbury's Ashley/Rakahuri River after more toxic algae was found.
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) says moderate to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) has been found along the river between the Okuku River Confluence to the State Highway 1 bridge.
A warning was already in place for the SH1 site, and while a warning was recently lifted for the Loburn-Rangiora site because it had become dry, new algae growth was already being seen there.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink says the algae looks like dark brown to black mats and can product toxins harmful to people and animals.
"Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips."
Anyone who experiences such symptoms should visit their doctor immediately, and animals showing signs of illness should be taken to a vet immediately.
Reticulated town water supplies are currently safe, but no-one should drink water from the river at any time, Pink said.
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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