'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: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.1% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.2% Hmm, maybe?
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11.6% Yes!
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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