Bad smells from Christchurch's fire-ravaged wastewater plant to continue for years
Bad smells reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s will continue seeping out of Christchurch’s fire-damaged wastewater treatment plant for years to come, the city council says.
Fire destroyed two trickling filters at the Bromley wastewater plant on November 1.
It was the biggest fire in the city in recent times and led to residents being evacuated and a public health warning issued as thick, black smoke spread across the city.
The filters, which measured 8 metres high and 55m across, played a crucial role in the wastewater process and unpleasant smells have been wafting across parts of the city since the fire.
Christchurch City Council water boss Helen Beaumont told councillors on Wednesday the plant would not get back to a pre-fire level of smell until the trickling filters were replaced or an alternative process brought in, which would be several years away.
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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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71.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.3% Hmm, maybe?
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11.7% Yes!
2025 has been massive. The Luxon-led Government's attacks on workers, on Te Tiriti, on pay equity, on educators, on health workers, and on the public service, have been relentless.
But despite everything thrown at working people, we've also seen some massive wins. We've fought back together with strike action. We've unified with days of action. We have focused on what matters. Make no mistake, 2026 will be wild, and we are ready for it! Source - New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
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