All-clear for Midway, Waikanae

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The latest Gisborne District Council water quality test results show the waters of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay have cleaned up from a bacteria point of view in the wake of ex-tropical Cyclone Hale.

Midway and Waikanae have been given the “all clear”' and are safe for swimming, according to the update from Land and Water Aotearoa (LAWA).

Kaiti Yacht Club, the Waimatā River at Anzac Park and Makorori settlement are also clear.

Tests at those locations were done on February 2.

Results from January 31 tests at two other popular locations — Rere Falls and Rere Rockslide — showed both were “unsuitable for swimming” given the bacteria levels.

“Caution” was advised after tests done in Hangaroa River at Doneraille Park.

Testing early this month at Sponge Bay, Tūranganui River, Wainui and Wherowhero Lagoon at Muriwai came back OK for swimming.

On the East Coast, swimming is OK following tests at Pouawa, Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay.

However, caution was advised for Mangahauini River in Tokomaru Bay, the surf club and wharf end of Tolaga Bay, Wharekahika and Urukokomuka Stream.

Several sites on the Coast were deemed unsuitable for swimming — Anaura Bay's north lagoon and north and south camps, Makarika Stream, Hamanatua Stream at Okitu, Turihaua, Uawa River and Waiapu River.

The Waipaoa River testing site result also came back as unsuitable.