Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Most Auckland beaches unsafe for swimming after wastewater overflowsMost Auckland and outer gulf beaches are unsafe for swimming today because of contaminated waterways, with heavy rain triggering wastewater overflow throughout the region. The Auckland Council’s Safeswim tool, which uses real-time data on rainfall, wind and other environmental factors to predict water quality across city beaches, shows almost all those lining the two harbours are unsuitable for swimming. Black “do not swim” warnings, the highest possible level, are issued when wastewater has been detected. Lower alert levels, such as red flags, advise against swimming, while a red swimming symbol on top indicates water that frequently fails to meet national standards.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 16, 2026 16:15 UTC