Wellington residents are facing a significant cleanup effort after severe weather caused nearly a billion litres of raw sewage to be discharged into the marine reserve, coating homes along the south coast with a toxic film. The incident, triggered by the storm on Monday, has left residents grappling with a public health hazard and demanding accountability from Wellington Water.
The situation, described by one resident as an “absolute shit show,” has seen homes in Houghton Bay, Princess Bay, Lyall Bay and Island Bay sprayed with faecal matter carried by sea foam. The contamination extends beyond visible residue, raising concerns about long-term health impacts and the ecological damage to the marine environment.
Residents report a slimy, brown residue clinging to their properties, despite repeated attempts to wash it away. Chris, an Island Bay resident, described the substance as “slimy grime” that remains even after three attempts with a hose. “It’s residue from all that sewage that’s floating up and down the coast,” he said, adding that he anticipates needing to fully scaffold his house for a thorough cleaning, estimating the cost at $900 if he hires professionals. He intends to bill Wellington Water for the expense if the contamination persists.
The impact isn’t limited to homes. Popular Lyall Bay eatery, Puku Pies, is similarly dealing with the fallout, with windows covered in a “gritty, smelly sludge” requiring daily cleaning, according to manager Rylee. “The other day, when the Monday storm happened… we couldn’t even see out of the windows,” Rylee said.
Photo: RNZ/Charlotte Cook – A film of toxic poo spray has coated homes around Wellington’s south coast.
Accountability and Resignation
Adding to the frustration, Wellington Water chair Nick Leggett resigned in the wake of the incident, a move that has drawn criticism from residents like Roger Young, who has lived in Houghton Bay for decades. “How can this happen in 2026? And how can we have the head of Wellington Water just resign and think he’s just going to walk away from this?” Young questioned. He emphasized the need for accountability and consequences for those responsible. Young also shared the emotional toll the situation has taken on his family, recounting how his son broke down crying over concerns about water safety for months to arrive.
Health Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
While the National Public Health Service is assessing potential public health risks, Wellington Water is currently conducting sampling in the sea to understand the extent of the discharge’s impact. The cause of the failure at the Moa Point plant remains under investigation, and the timeline for repairs is currently unknown. The National Public Health Service is responsible for assessing any public-health risks arising from the environmental conditions and providing health advice as needed.
The swell on Monday morning reached seven metres, carrying contaminated sea foam across multiple bays, according to Roger Young. He noted his windows were covered in more than just salt and sand, indicating the widespread nature of the contamination.
What’s Next?
The immediate focus remains on cleanup efforts and assessing the full extent of the environmental and public health impacts. Wellington Water’s investigation into the cause of the Moa Point failure will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future. Residents are understandably demanding answers and assurances that measures will be taken to protect their health and property. The coming weeks will likely see increased scrutiny of Wellington Water’s infrastructure and emergency response protocols.
Have your say: What steps do you think Wellington Water should take to address this crisis and prevent future incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
