Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.
Untreated, unscreened wastewater has been discharged into Tarakena Bay. Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches.

Between approximately 8 am on 25 June and 7 am on 26 June, the short outfall pipe discharged untreated wastewater into Tarakena Bay.

Signs are in place along the coastline to alert water users of areas which may be impacted by this event. Water quality samples will be collected from coastal locations once improved weather conditions allow. 

Check LAWA.org.nz before visiting beaches along the south coast. 

Public health information can be found on Health NZ's website. 
Wellington Water crews responding to wastewater overflow on State Highway 2
Wellington Water crews responding to wastewater overflow on State Highway 2

Our team is responding to a wastewater overflow on State Highway 2 which has stopped this afternoon. The overflow was from a manhole on the southbound lanes close to the Ngauranga exit, discharging into the habour through the stormwater drains.

While the overflow has stopped, our teams are working to clear a blockage which still remains. They are working at pace to identify the blockage and get this cleared. 

One southbound lane clasure remains in place approaching Ngauranga while work is underway.
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About Us / News And Media / News And Media / Moa Point Inquiry

Published 12/02/2026

Moa Point inquiry

Moa Point inquiry

Wellington Water fully supports an inquiry into the incident at Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is now clear that the inquiry will begin as soon as possible, and we will cooperate fully alongside our work to bring the plant back into operation.   
  
Now the inquiry has been signalled, it is important we allow that process to run its course. This means that we are unable to provide any further public statements regarding aspects of the Moa Point incident and response that may be included in the inquiry.  
 
Public health and safety remains our priority, and we are committed to transparency while meeting our legal obligations. We also appreciate the high level of public and media interest in this incident. 
 
We will still provide the public with regular: 
•    operational updates on our work at the plant to bring it back into operation 
•    public health advice, and  
•    water sampling results. 
 
As our response moves into the next phase of work to bring the plant back into operation, these updates will begin to be published daily through our Facebook, website and shared with media.  
 
We are also acutely aware of the impact of odour on the community, and do not take this lightly. We want to assure the local community that we are taking action to reduce odour and the timeframe of any potential impact. We will work to keep the community informed as this work progresses. 
  
We want to reiterate our appreciation to the Wellington community for their support and understanding. This is a complex and changeable situation, and we appreciate that it creates a lot of uncertainty and concern for our natural environment, which we share. 

Editor notes

Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.

Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.

Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.

The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.

Media Enquiries

Email address:  Media@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Phone number: 021 302 259