18 Jan 2026

Warning after sewage leak into Wellington harbour

10:59 am on 18 January 2026
Those living near the Seaview wastewater treatment plant have been plagued by stench for months.

Seaview treatment plant. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

A warning has been issued after a sewage leak in Wellington.

Wellington Water said partially treated wastewater was released into the ocean after a mechanical failure at the Seaview treatment plant around 6pm on Saturday.

The discharge had now been stopped, and one UV channel was back in operation.

The effluent had been screened and biologically treated, with partial disinfection completed.

Wellington Water said the risk to public health was minimal, but people should check LAWA before swimming.

Coastal water sampling was underway and warning signs were in place.

An investigation is underway into what went wrong.

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