Morning Headlines | Council wants answers about Mt Maunganui landslide and Air NZ international cabin crew vote to strike | Wednesday, January 28, 2026
A nasty odour lingering across Christchurch today is likely to intensify over the coming week.
Environment Canterbury has confirmed it received 210 complaints in the past 24 hours from east Christchurch residents reporting a strong, sewage-like odour.
Christchurch City Council said there has been an “increase in odour” from theChristchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant’s oxidation ponds, following a period of heavy rain that has affected pond health.
“Monitoring this week showed a drop in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels across the system,” the council said.
“These low-oxygen conditions create an environment where odour is much more likely to be released, particularly from ponds 1, 2 and 3, which are currently the most affected.
“Based on current pond health, we expect higher than normal odour levels to continue for at least the next week.”
While the smell originates from the city’s wastewater treatment plant - an ongoing issue for residents on the east side - northeasterly winds have carried the stench across much of the city.
However, the council said this event differs from previous wet-weather incidents.
“During previous wet‑weather events, the additional rainfall has generally supported pond recovery, improved overall pond health and prevented odour issues,” it said.
“This time, the ponds have not responded in the same way.
“Our staff are continuing to collect and analyse data to understand why these conditions have developed on this occasion.”
The council also cited increased loading on the ponds, which has added further pressure and increased likelihood of odour.
Operations teams are “closely monitoring conditions and responding wherever possible to improve pond health and minimise odour impacts”.
“We know odour is disruptive, and we want to reassure the community that reducing it is a priority,” the council said.
Odour issues linked to the treatment plant have plagued Bromley and neighbouring suburbs for years, with residents previously describing the smell as similar to burnt faeces and rotten socks.
Many locals have taken to social media to express their frustration.
“Sad days still battling this foul s*** smell,” one person wrote.
“Sort the s*** out. I want my summer,” said another.
