“Karanga Plaza Pool: A Shocking Safety Alert Just Days Post-Opening”

A Herald photographer who was at the pool today conversed with several swimmers who claimed they were oblivious to the situation, stating there were no visible notices.

At least four locations in Auckland are marked with a black pin, indicating that wastewater discharge has been spotted in the vicinity.

Consequently, Herne Bay, Home Bay, Judges Bay, and Te Tinana are all deemed off-limits for swimmers.

Earlier this week, an NZME photographer reported that a representative from Auckland Council had been informing swimmers every 30 minutes through a loudspeaker near the pool that they would be entering the water at their own peril.

Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (Lawa) has also advised New Zealanders to refrain from swimming outdoors today due to heightened pollution risks in the water.

The organization stated that there had been substantial rainfall within the last 24 hours, and even popular swimming locations that typically exhibit good water quality may become inappropriate.

Science director Dr. Elaine Moriarty explained that heavy rains wash pollutants from land into rivers, lakes, and coastal regions.

This runoff can carry bacteria from animal waste, wastewater discharges, and various other contaminants into waterways.

“Conditions can shift rapidly, particularly after significant rainfall, which is why we recommend steering clear of outdoor swims for two to three days following heavy rain.”

“If you swim in waters tainted by pollution, you risk falling ill with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, respiratory infections, or eye, ear, and throat issues.”

At the beginning of December, multiple beaches in Auckland, favored for their swimming conditions, were declared unsafe due to fecal contamination during a rainy first weekend.

Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool, affectionately nicknamed “Brownie’s Pool” after Mayor Wayne Brown, has already attracted many swimmers of all ages who have been enjoying the new amenities and clean water.

The tidal steps have emerged as a favored swimming area, with water quality consistently monitored and assessed, and included on the council’s Safeswim website.

Lifeguards will oversee the pool during peak swimming hours and it will be accessible during daylight hours over summer.

Data from the council’s Safeswim initiative indicates that the percentage of time Karanga Plaza was safe for swimming last summer was 85%.

This positioned it near the bottom of the 130 or so beaches assessed, which revealed that 17 beaches were swimmable 100% of the time, eight were swimmable 99% of the time, while most registered swimmability at 90% or more.

David Williams is a Multimedia Journalist based in Auckland who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics.

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