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Unsafe recreational water quality at Corsair Bay | Motu-kauati-iti, Cass Bay Motu-kauati-rahi at jetty, Cass Bay | Motu-kauati-rahi at beach, and Rāpaki Bay at beach

Canterbury
Day Lifted
Thursday 15 January 2026
Day Issued
Saturday 10 January 2026

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora issued a health warning after being advised by authorities that there has been a discharge of untreated sewage into Motu-kauati-iti |Corsair Bay. 

This health warning includes Corsair Bay | Motu-kauati-iti, Cass Bay | Motu-kauati-rahi at jetty, Cass Bay | Motu-kauati-rahi at beach, and Rāpaki Bay at beach.  

Dr Imogen Evans, Public Health Medicine Specialist for National Public Health Service, says “Water quality at the affected site is not considered suitable for recreational uses including swimming because of the risk to health from the bacteria and other pathogens”.  

Water contaminated by human matter may contain a range of disease-causing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa she says.   

Eating fish or shellfish from these sites should be avoided. If fish are eaten, remove the gut and liver and wash in clean water before cooking. For further information on gathering mahinga kai refer to information below.  

Canterbury region — Land Air Water Aotearoaexternal link

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Contact details:

hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz