1359 days ago

'Precious' eels die following sewage overflow in Murrays Bay

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. Residents of a Murrays Bay neighbourhood are heartbroken after a wastewater overflow into their creek killed about 30 “precious” eels.

The creek, on private property, is shared by about nine neighbours.

Resident Diane O’Connor​ said they held “high value” on the eels, some of which were estimated to be about 30-50 years old.

But on March 11, about 30 of the eels died from suspected ammonia poisoning after wastewater overflowed into the creek.

The neighbourhood took huge pride in its creek, and to lose so many eels in a manner in which they would have suffered was “heartbreaking”, she said.

“We’re incredibly upset about that because the eels are part of our neighbourhood. We absolutely love the eels.”

An investigation into the overflow by Watercare found a pipe had been blocked by solidified fat.

“This is why we encourage our customers not to pour cooking fats and oils down the kitchen sink. These solidify as they cool, and when combined with things like wet wipes, can cause blockages in our wastewater network," a spokesman said.

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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4 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.8% Yes
    41.8% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.7% No
    24.7% Complete
591 votes
25 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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