958 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
2 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Cosmetic Bags Cut and Ready to Sew

Sylvia Heywood from Soroptimist International North Shore

Small cosmetic bags cut out and ready to sew. Let me know if you are willing to help for a good cause?

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1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.6% Yes
    84.6% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
736 votes