After a decade of discussions, action will finally be taken on an at-risk water supply in Northern Hawke's Bay.
The electoral roll has recently opened for a Wairoa District Council binding referendum, which will determine whether or not a small coastal settlement's untreated water supply is to be closed.
Mahanga is a beachside town near Mahia which has about 60 properties, around half of which are occupied by permanent residents.
Although the water supply there is supplementary, since 2007 the council has discussed its upgrade due to the potential health risks it poses.
The supply - which originates from a shallow bore - has been designated as non-potable, and there is a permanent boil water notice advertised to users of the supply. Residents are also required to have their own tanks for collection of rainwater.