'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.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.6% Critical thinking
-
29.3% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.5% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
-
81.5% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
-
18.5% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
