Clean water message to go global

Cheers: Havelock North Business Association president Sam Jackman toasts the quality of the water with other supporters confirming Havelock North businesses are getting back on their feet.

A message is being sent around the world that Havelock North water is clean and safe to drink.

Business owners and residents gathered at the fountain yesterday afternoon to bust the "negative myths" of water quality in Havelock North.

Havelock North Business Association president Sam Jackman filled the cups with a garden hose before they posed for a photo toasting the now clean water.

The photo would then be uploaded on social media and sent around the world.

Havelock North Business Association marketing manager Aimee Stewart said they wanted to put an end to the rumours "swirling" around the village.

"We want to show everyone that the water is okay to drink and we would love to see everyone back enjoying the local businesses."

Resident Amy Lynch said she came down to the fountain yesterday to show her support.

"My Dad who lives in Scotland knew about the water before I told him, as it made international news over there."

"I just felt it was something that should be dealt within the community not as an international news item."

Businesses who were affected during the crisis also united at the fountain today.

Kathryn Ryan, owner of St Georges Restaurant, said the business had been slow since the gastro outbreak but it was slowly starting to pick up again.

"I just want to show people that it is safe to drink and encourage people to come back in and enjoy what we have to offer."

"Hopefully everything returns to normal soon with summer not far away."

Havelock North resident Kirsty Riddell said she also wanted to reiterate the message of support.

"It is something that has happened and now it is over so we all need to forget about it and move on. We were sick with it, but it has not stopped us from moving forward."

Ms Stewart said they could not have witnessed better community spirit during this "incredibly tough" time.

"A real estate agent in Auckland was in the midst of making a sale and asked the potential owner if they were put off moving here and they said no because the sense of community in Havelock was amazing."

Mr Jackman said yesterday was just the start to their village promotion, as they strove to show everyone it was very much open for business.