Current environmental incidents
We respond to a variety of environmental incidents in the region that affect our air, water and land. Here you can find the latest serious environmental incident alerts.
This page covers alerts for unexpected or urgent incidents involving discharges to land, air, and water, where we need the public to avoid a particular area. Here's how you can report an environmental incident.
If you are looking for warnings related to toxic cyanobacteria or faecal contamination at recreational water sites, see our health warnings.
Untreated sewage discharge Diamond Harbour
Incident date: 7 February 2026
Last updated: 18 February 2026
On Saturday 7 February, our team responded to a discharge of untreated sewage from a Christchurch City Council wastewater pipe into Diamond Harbour | Te Waipapa.
This incident has prompted a current health warning advising against recreational uses and swimming for Diamond Harbour Purau Bay, Church Bay and Charteris Bay.
The health warning and rāhui related to this incident have now been lifted.
As the environmental regulator, we are investigating this sewage discharge.
Corsair Bay vessel incident
Incident date: 16 February 2026
Last updated: 9am, 19 February 2026
The recent bad weather caused a vessel an 11 metre vessel Wayward to come off her mooring in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and become grounded in Corsair Bay.
Small amounts of residual engine fuel sheen has been observed around the vessel. All other fuels have been removed. No wildlife has been observed to be impacted and debris is being collected as required.
We’re working closely with the owner to ensure the vessel is removed safely.
Nīkau Palm Valley Bay vessel incident
Incident date: 31 January 2026
Last updated: 9am, 19 February 2026
On 31 January a Black Cat Cruises vessel ran aground at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay, Akaroa, resulting in significant damage to the vessel. All 41 people on board were safely rescued and unharmed.
Recovery activities around the grounded vessel have begun, following the consultation of a recovery plan. We are continuing to work alongside the salvage teams and insurers to minimise impacts to the environment, with aligned partner agency and stakeholder interests. This may take 15 days in total, subject to weather and sea conditions.
The boat ramp in Children’s Bay, Akaroa Harbour, will be closed periodically throughout the operation. This is to ensure the safety of contractors and the public. All efforts will be made to keep these closure periods as brief as possible, but safety on the site is paramount.
The public is reminded that a 200 metre exclusion zone remains in place around the vessel and recovery site.
Further updates will be provided as the situation changes.