
'Precious' eels die following sewage overflow in Murrays Bay
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.

✨ 22 nights from $6,999pp ✨
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 18-night Panama Canal cruise and save up to $4,000 per couple! Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this iconic waterway, paired with unforgettable hotel stays in the vibrant cities of New York and Los Angeles. Plus, enjoy a complimentary upgrade from an Interior to an Oceanview cabin.
Don't miss out - book your dream getaway today and experience the Panama Canal in unforgettable style.
*T&Cs apply, please see the Imagine Holidays website for full T&Cs.


Show us your projects
Whether it's craft, haberdashery, woodwork or upcycling, we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
You may even spark someone else's creativity...
Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below...


Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.
If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

-
59.9% Yes
-
40.1% No
-
0% Other - I'll share below