Key Takeaways
- A 1200-cubic-metre wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River has affected Auckland oyster farmers, ruining their Christmas season.
- An estimated 86 cubic metres of wastewater mixed with stormwater overflowed into the river from a Warkworth pipeline, causing the Ministry of Primary Industries to instruct growers to suspend harvesting.
- Oyster farmers are facing financial difficulties due to the spill, with many relying on the Christmas-New Year period to get them through the quiet months.
- Watercare has planned upgrades to prevent more wet weather overflows, but they will not be completed until the end of 2026.
- Affected businesses are calling for more financial assistance to get them through until the upgrades are done.
Introduction to the Crisis
Weeks after a devastating wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River, Auckland oyster farmers are dealing with the effects of another overflow, which has severely impacted their Christmas season. The recent spill, which occurred on November 19, saw an estimated 86 cubic metres of wastewater mixed with stormwater overflow into the river from a Warkworth pipeline. This has led to the Ministry of Primary Industries instructing growers to suspend harvesting while testing is carried out, with results expected this week. The situation has left oyster farmers reeling, with many facing significant financial losses and reputational damage.
Impact on Oyster Farmers
The spill has had a profound impact on oyster farmers, who rely heavily on the Christmas-New Year period to generate revenue. Matakana Oysters’ Tom Walters stated that the spill had already ruined their plans for December, which is typically their busiest period of the year. The business was set to begin harvesting on November 20, but the rain derailed their plans, and they are now hoping to be back open by early December at best. However, this is dependent on weather conditions and test results. The financial implications of the spill are significant, with Walters noting that the compensation received for the previous wastewater overflow in October has already been spent on debts incurred from previous spills.
Lack of Compensation for Wet Weather Spills
Oyster farmers are not entitled to compensation for spills caused by rainfall, which has left them struggling to stay afloat. Walters noted that while Watercare admitted that the October spill was caused by a technical failure, the agency is not required to compensate farmers for wet weather spills. This has left many farmers feeling frustrated and helpless, as they are unable to recover their losses. The lack of compensation has also made it difficult for farmers to invest in their businesses, with Walters stating that he cannot afford to buy enough oysters from other areas to cater to the demand during the Christmas season.
Response from Watercare
Watercare has acknowledged the issues faced by oyster farmers and has planned upgrades to prevent more wet weather overflows. The agency’s chief operations officer, Mark Bourne, stated that they have completed network upgrades to reduce the frequency of overflows, but these measures were never intended to prevent overflows during severe weather events. Watercare has also accelerated the first stage of the growth-servicing pipeline, bringing it forward by two years to have it in service by the end of next year. However, this comes at an additional cost of $2.5 million. Bourne expressed sympathy for the oyster growers, who have faced many challenges this year and are now in their peak harvest season.
Call for Financial Assistance
Affected businesses are calling for more financial assistance to get them through until the upgrades are done. Walters and Mahurangi Oyster Farmers Association president Lynette Dunn stated that the problem will not stop with wet weather spills and that they will still have to deal with the issue for another year before the pipeline is ready. Dunn noted that even when the infrastructure improves, it will take a lot of work to rebuild public trust, and that funding is needed to keep the businesses going. The reputational damage caused by the spills has been significant, with many people associating Mahurangi Oysters with sewage. This has made it difficult for farmers to sell their products, and they are facing a huge battle to recover their losses.
