Kiwis are being warned not to collect or eat shellfish in the Whangaparaoa area after discovering higher than normal toxin levels.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) today extended the current health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish in the Whangaparaoa region.
Routine tests have shown levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins are above the safety limit by 0.2mg/kg.
Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cokcles, scallops, catseyes, kina and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten - anyone eating shellfish is potentially at risk of illness.
Commerical oyster farms in the Mahurangi Harbour are being monitored and have been closed as a precaution.