10 October 2000

ONETANGI BEACH ADDED TO BATHING BEACH MONITORING LIST

Four popular Waiheke beaches will be monitored for water quality this summer as part of an Auckland City initiative to safeguard the health of swimmers.

Onetangi will be included this year, along with Surfdale, Oneroa and Palm Beach, as part of a combined Auckland and North Shore City Council programme launched last summer. Beach monitoring was previously undertaken by the Auckland Regional Council.

From early next month until April, the four beaches will be tested each week on a Wednesday so that beach water quality indicators will be available to weekend bathers.

Hauraki Gulf Islands Ward Councillor Faye Storer says it’s great that Onetangi beach users are now able to benefit from the monitoring programme.

“Onetangi is a beautiful beach enjoyed by many hundreds of bathers every summer,” she said. “Regular information about water quality will boost
swimmers’ enjoyment and confidence. The inclusion of Onetangi provides comprehensive coverage of the most popular beaches on the island.”

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Beach water quality monitoring coupled with the Waiheke Wastewater Management Plan (monitoring septic tanks in the major catchments) and the new law restricting the dumping of waste from boats will ensure clear waters in the Gulf.

Auckland City is testing 15 beaches this summer, seven of them in the Hauraki Gulf. They are Surfdale, Oneroa, Palm Beach, Onetangi (Waiheke Island), Port Fitzroy, Tryphena and Medlands (Great Barrier Island), Pt Chevalier, Herne Bay, Mission Bay, Judges Bay, Okahu Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Pt England (Waitemata Harbour).

People will be able to access information about the water quality at the beaches from a toll free number: 0800 7233-7946, or on the Auckland City website HYPERLINK http://www.akcity.govt.nz www.akcity.govt.nz .

ENDS

For further information
Please contact Cr Faye Storer
Telephone 372 9702

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