Te Rūnaka o Ngāti Wheke advises that, due to the presence of a toxin producing algal bloom currently affecting the Koukourarata / Port Levy Harbour, and the associated risk to public health, a rāhui has been placed on the taking of shellfish from Sumner Beach, Scarborough Beach, Taylors Mistake and all sites within Whakaraupō Lyttleton Harbour.
The rāhui is effective from Saturday 14 March 2026.
A review of this rāhui will be undertaken once further water quality and toxin test results have been received.
This measure has been implemented as a precaution to protect public health and wellbeing.
Further information regarding the algal bloom and associated health warnings is available from the following sources:
• Environment Canterbury:
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/health-warnings/marine-warnings
• Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA):
https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/canterbury-region/warnings-and-alerts/health-warning-toxin-producing-algal-bloom
