Taking care on and around coastal waters after flooding
Te Tauihu iwi have placed a rāhui across the entire northern coastline of Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui (Top of the South Island) as floodwaters continue to pose significant disruptions across the region. It covers all coastlines, river mouths, and floodwaters, and prevents the gathering of seafood and kai in these areas as well as swimming and entering the water. A rāhui is a way of restricting temporary access to areas that may be for conservation measures or where harm or risk to safety may be present for the community.
Rāhui is just one mechanism that can be used to implement health and safety for our community. The rāhui was implemented by the Iwi Emergency Management Rōpū (group), which works as part of the Nelson/Tasman Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), alongside Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Harbourmasters and our Environmental Scientists messaging. Lifting of rāhui will be assessed and determined when all measures are considered safe by the many agencies involved working together to ensure risks to personal health and food safety are minimised.
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Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand
Floodwater and silt can be contaminated with faecal material, agricultural, or industrial wastes, and often carry bugs that can cause gastrointestinal (vomiting and diarrhoea), skin and eye infections. Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas until they have been cleaned up. Be safe and stay clear of all floodwaters. We recommend you treat all surface water as contaminated unless you have been told otherwise.
After a flood it's important to drain, dry and clean your property and belongings as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of you and others becoming sick from a range of health hazards, including mould.
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood and protect yourself by wearing a properly fitted P2- or N95-rated mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes. Please see the attached returning home after a flood for more information.
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After a flood — factsheets
For factsheets and information on managing after a flood in te reo Māori, English, NZSL, Braille, Cook Islands Maori, Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, audio and large print, please visit: https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/protecting-health-natural-disaster/floods-and-health.
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Harbourmaster
The Harbourmaster, Coastguard and volunteers have been active clearing a significant amount of debris from the water and coastline including horticultural nets, apple bins and plastic waste.
However, it is likely that Navigational hazards remain in the area.
The team will continue to monitor the Bays to manage the remaining debris accordingly.
Please do not clear debris yourself as it could be contaminated and dangerous.