Toxic algae - Waikanae River at high risk status
‼️ TOXIC ALGAE – HIGH RISK‼️
🔴 red alert - avoid swimming at Waikanae River Jim Cooke Park site
🟠 amber alert - caution advised at Otaki River SH1 site
Unlike the rest of the country, we’ve received very little rain over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, this means toxic algae levels have continued to increase in the Waikanae River at our Jim Cooke Park site which has now been upgraded to a red alert/high risk status. Swimmers and people with dogs are strongly advised to avoid the Waikanae River along the reaches of the Jim Cooke Park.
A caution remains in place at the Ōtaki River site near the Old Stage Highway 1 bridge.
Toxic algae can make people sick and can be fatal to dogs. These brown or black velvety mats grow on rocks in the riverbeds and come loose and wash up on riverbanks. Dogs love the musty smell and taste of toxic algae, so please keep them on leads away from the water and never let them scavenge at the river’s edge.
If you think your dog has swallowed toxic algae, take them to the nearest vet immediately.
If you’re feeling unwell after swimming at these sites, please see your doctor or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Check the LAWA website - www.lawa.org.nz... for the most up-to-date water quality results at your favourite swim spot.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
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.
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!
-
52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
-
15.2% Critical thinking
-
29.5% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.6% Other - I will share below!
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…
