Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Inquiry hears outbreak details
Inquiry hears outbreak details
The Government inquiry looking into last year's Havelock North gastro outbreak has started hearings this week.
A science group that forms part of the inquiry has narrowed in on the likely cause of the contamination, which entered the Hawke's Bay town's water supply and left over 5000 people affected by campylobacter in August 2016.
This week the inquiry has heard that the water supply was likely contaminated by sheep faeces from a nearby paddock. On Thursday, the inquiry's Science Caucus Group presented tests results that suggest a surface pond less than 100 metres from the affected bore was a possible source of the contamination.
The bore at Brookvale Rd was found to have a defective casing below the ground, but further tests would be needed to confirm if water had got through the casing.
A report obtained by Fairfax Media last week suggested that public alerts about the outbreak might have been more effective if a state of emergency had been declared. The report, written by former national director of Civil Defence John Hamilton, will form part of the evidence for the inquiry.
The inquiry is expected to last two or three weeks. This week the focus has been on how the contamination occurred, while next week the focus will turn to the outbreak, response and the adequacy of contingency planning.
The inquiry is due to report back to Government by March 31.
See summaries of the media coverage of the inquiry this week.
Science Media Centre NZ
Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.
Business Canterbury: Urges Council To Cut Costs, Not Ambition For City
Wellington Airport: On Track For Net Zero Emissions By 2028
Landcare Research: ANZAC Gall Fly Release Promises Natural Solution To Weed Threat
NZ Anti-Vivisection Society: Auckland Rat Lovers Unite!
University of Canterbury: $1.35 Million Grant To Study Lion-like Jumping Spiders
Federated Farmers: Government Ends War On Farming
