Local iwi will hold a karakia at Auckland's Ōkahu Bay this morning as the rāhui over Waitematā Harbour is formally lifted.
The rāhui was put in place on September 28 after a waste and stormwater pipe burst, creating a large sinkhole in a central Parnell car park which blocked the Ōrākei main sewer. A bypass pipe was installed in order to prevent hundreds of litres of wastewater from overflowing into the harbour, but was unable to stop it completely, Watercare said at the time.
After seven weeks, the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust today announced the rāhui would be lifted.
"After close consultation with Watercare, and having conducted our own assessments, we are now confident that the mauri of our cherished Waitematā has recovered sufficiently," chairwoman Marama Royal said in a statement.
"We are pleased to announce the lifting of the rāhui. Activities such as swimming, fishing, and paddling can now resume."
Royal acknowledged the patience and respect of the community who observed the rāhui.
"We thank everyone for respecting the rāhui, and as we move into this next phase, let's remember our collective responsibility as kaitiaki."
Watercare chief executive Dave Chambers thanked Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for their support in the weeks following the incident.
"We know the overflows were heartbreaking for so many Aucklanders, but particularly for the people of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei as kaitiaki of the Waitematā," he said.
“Our water quality and wider environmental programme is ongoing, but the results so far indicate the harbour is recovering incredibly well."
Chambers said while the impact of the overflows appeared to be "highly localised", Watercare will be working alongside other organisations "to do what we can to protect and enhance our treasured Waitematā Harbour".
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Watercare will meet with experts in environmental systems regeneration next week as they begin planning for the harbour's rehabilitation.
Up-to-date information about water quality and other potential hazards at Auckland beaches can be found on the Safeswim website.
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