By RNZ
A freshwater scientist says it will take up four days of fine weather to reduce the risk to swimmers from sewage runoff after heavy rains last week.
More than 20 beaches were closed around the Auckland region due to contamination over the weekend.
Meanwhile, in Wellington there were 17 beaches that had an “unsuitable for swimming” warning, according to the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa website.
This included popular beaches such as Scorching Bay, Lyall Bay and Seatoun Beach.