Wellington's Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant has been shut down and fully evacuated after a major equipment failure caused multiple floors of the site to flood and an ongoing raw sewage discharge off the city's south coast.
Wellington Water said the "significant incident" began at 1am this morning and that it had set up an emergency management team who were working to stabilise the situation.
"Multiple floors and key areas of the plant have been inundated," chief executive Pat Dougherty said.
"This is a serious situation and we anticipate the plant will be shut down for an extended period of time."
A duty manager investigated the plant after an alarm activation and alert from Fire and Emergency NZ, with the equipment failure leading to the plant's power being shut down.
"Our immediate focus is restoring power to the plant, resuming service, and diverting wastewater to the long outfall pipe, which will improve dispersion and reduce impact on the coastline," Dougherty said.
He strongly advised the community to stay away from beaches on the capital's south coast.
"There is currently untreated wastewater being discharged into the water and this may occur for some time."
Public health signage was being put up at Lyall Bay and along the south coast beaches to warn of the risk.
"We’re asking the public not to enter the water or collect kai moana. A rāhui will be placed over the affected area," he said.
"An environmental team will be undertaking water quality testing. More information will be provided at lunchtime today. This is a complex incident and all necessary resources are being utilised."
Dougherty said the incident was "unacceptable".
"We apologise to the public, local community and our iwi partners for the public health and environmental impact caused."
Greater Wellington Regional Council issued a warning on the Land Air Water Aotearoa website for Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Princess Bay and Lyall Bay.
"We strongly advise that people avoid the coastal area along the south of Wellington until further notice. Do not enter the water or collect kaimoana from this area."
A temporary discharge notification posted at Tarakina Bay said swimming and aquatic activities were not recommended for 48 hours.
The collection and consumption of shellfish is not advised at any time, it says.
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