Rere Falls, Rere Rockslide, Wainui stream ‘unsuitable for swimming’ after tests

Water quality in the Hamanatua Stream at Wainui was among bathing spots Land Air Water Aotearoa tested and found "unsuitable" for swimming. This image was taken last summer. Photo / Gisborne Herald

Latest water quality tests show eight sites throughout Tairāwhiti “unsuitable for swimming”, including the popular Rere Falls, Rere Rockslide and Hamanatua Stream at Wainui.

Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) conducted most of the tests on December 8 and the rest on December 4.

Rere Falls and the rockslide, Hamanatua Stream at Wainui-Okuti, Turihaua Bridge, Urukokamuka Stream, Waiotu Stream, Waipaoa River at Kanakanaia, and Wherowhero Lagoon were all deemed unsafe for bathing.

No recent data was available for the Hangaroa River at Doneraille Park.

The all-clear was given to water at all three test sites in Anaura Bay, both ends of Tolaga Bay, Midway Beach, Waikanae Beach at Grey St, Wainui Beach and Makorori.

Other sites to receive that designation were Waimatā River at Anzac Park, Tūranganui River, Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay, Turihaua, Ūawa at the SH35 bridge, Waiapu River, Mangahauini River, Onepoto Bay, Pouawa, Sponge Bay, Makarika Stream, Wharekahika River and the Karakatuwhero River.

Water quality of beaches, rivers and streams are regularly tested during the warmer summer months (November to March) in most regions of the country.