14 March 2025
Health Warning - Toxin-producing algal bloom in Port Levy | Koukourarata
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after extremely high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins were found in routine samples taken from Port Levy | Koukourarata.
People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until the health warning has been lifted. Dr Imogen Evans, Public Health Medicine Specialist for the National Public Health Service, says “the algal bloom can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.”
“People should avoid contact with the water until further notice.”
“The bloom appears to be limited to Port Levy | Koukourarata, but people should still take care in nearby bays as toxins could travel to other areas.”
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately and please let them know if you have had contact with the water”, Dr Evans says.
Te Rūnaka o Koukourarata 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 the harbour.
The rāhui is effective from Saturday 14 March 2026 to Friday 20 March 2026, inclusive. 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.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has issued a wider public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the northern side of Banks Peninsula. The warning extends from New Brighton to the northern side of Hickory Bay.
Anyone who becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued should phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16 or seek medical attention immediately. Please also contact your nearest public health service and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.
Further information regarding the algal bloom and associated health warnings is available from the following sources:
For further details visit:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/shellfish-biotoxin-warning-for-canterbury
To contact your local National Public Health Service office visit: https://info.health.nz/locations/canterbury/national-public-health-service-canterbury-west-coast
To keep up to date with current health warnings visit:
https://info.health.nz/health-alerts