974 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
23 minutes ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
0 votes
7 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.1% Yes
    82.1% Complete
  • 15.1% No
    15.1% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
2463 votes
1 hour ago

Auckland’s Angels appeal gets helping hand from Auckland Council

The Team from Auckland Council

🎄✨ Christmas is just around the corner, and we're proud to support the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland’s Angels appeal to help those in need this festive season! 🪽

🎁 Have unwrapped gifts or food donations at home? Drop them off at our libraries or pools and leisure recreation centres between 2–19 December.

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