We Say, You Say: Swimming Spots
Hi Northland,
Would you be put off by a health warning at your local swimming spot?
Around 100 popular swimming locations across the country have been slapped with health warnings for the summer season this year.
Local councils reported long-term poor water quality due to the presence of algal blooms and high concentrations of sediment in popular swimming spots like Lake Rotorua, Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Beach. Some of these sites have had consistently low scoring that local councils have stopped monitoring them and have instead posted long-term warning signs against swimming.
Swimmers that ignore signs risk gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory diseases from water made hazardous by farm runoff, sewage contamination and high bacteria counts.
Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in the conversations section of your local paper.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
⛰️ Is Bream Head the ultimate Northland spot?
According to The Press, the Bream Head Scenic Reserve at Whangārei Heads has it all: the best views, the best forest, and the best adventures.
Do you have a hidden gem that gives Bream Head a run for its money?
We’re on a mission to find Northland's best "Secret Spots" 🤫
We want to hear from you! What is your go-to spot when you want to show off the best of the North to friends or family? 📸
Drop your recommendations (and photos!) in the comments below! 👇
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