Sewage contamination hits Mt Maunganui beach

Swimmers are being urged to avoid a popular beach at Mt Maunganui near Tauranga over the Anniversary holiday weekend after signs of sewage contamination were found.

Tauranga City Council staff found high levels of faecal contamination at Pilot Bay, and signs warning of the dangers of swimming there have been put up.

Council medical officer of health Phil Shoemack said efforts were being made to find the source of the contamination.

He said swimming in the water and swallowing any of it could cause gastroenteritis or other similar infections, National Radio reported.

Test results will determine whether the swimming leg of a triathlon organised for Pilot Bay on Monday will go ahead.

- NZPA