Takapuna Beach on Auckland's North Shore was polluted by sewage at the weekend, but because of a bureaucratic bungle, the Safe Swim website assured the public it was low risk.
Beachgoers who spotted a "public health warning" sign that was at odds with the website are upset.
"Had our two-year-old son down there this afternoon - I'm just livid," one wrote on Facebook.
Wastewater utility Watercare Services, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation, said that on Saturday a large build-up of fat and rubbish in a sewer caused an overflow at a private property on Clifton Rd.
![The sewage spill occurred at a property on Clifton Rd on Auckland's North Shore and was caused by build-up of fat and rubbish in a sewer. Map / Google](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/PKL4LP3SDTDT3JIRW5WJKIG3YM.jpg?auth=6019af0a990cfaf526a8107ad5a5c164ee5b58c51b17e9fc4123ae71de339a39&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)