It’s action stations at Gisborne rivers and beaches after health warnings lifted

Paddling, swimming, surfing and fishing ... it was all go again on the city's rivers and beaches on Friday after health restrictions were lifted following last week's rain, and it was a perfect day for a visit by cruise ship Silver Muse. Photo / Murray Robertson

Gisborne city’s rivers and beaches were back in business on Friday after the lifting of health warnings put in place as a result of Boxing Day rain.

Many people took advantage of the waters being clean again.

Waka ama clubs had their paddlers back on the water training for the national sprint titles on Lake Karāpiro from January 12-18.

Many people were enjoying a swim at Waikanae and Midway beaches and anglers were out around the rivers and along the popular stretch of water at The Cut.

It was also a good day for another cruise ship visit.

“It’s great to be back on the water,” a paddler called out to the Gisborne Herald as she and her teammates headed out for a training session yesterday morning.

Waka ama paddlers were back on the water on Friday in training for this month's national sprint titles. Photo / Murray Robertson

Gisborne District Council issued a standard health warning after emergency raw sewage discharges into city rivers were stopped last Saturday following the Boxing Day rain.

On Thursday, five days after city scours were shut again, the warnings were lifted and signs removed.

However, the district is set to endure more rain.

MetService predicted possible thunderstorms and hail for Friday afternoon, and more shower and rain activity is forecast for most of the next six days.

The Friday forecast indicated Tuesday would be the only fine day for a week.