Swimming in the water in the meantime risks contact with bacteria and other pathogens, said Dr Imogen Evans, public health medicine specialist for the National Public Health Service.
“Water contaminated by human matter may contain a range of disease-carrying micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa.”
Residents should also avoid eating shellfish harvested at the bays and must gut and wash fish in clean water before consumption.
A rāhui has been placed on the Waipapa Diamond Harbour southward including all the southern bays of Whakaraupō, and Rāpaki Tangata Tiaki will not be issuing any customary permits during this time.
