1420 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
14 hours ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?

(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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7 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 26% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26% Complete
  • 14.4% ... It is complicated
    14.4% Complete
1156 votes
14 hours ago

Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program

Westfield Local Hero

Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.

The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.

Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
Find out more

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