Sewage spill closes beach

Just as the sun finally came out yesterday one of the country's most popular beaches was closed after an hour-long sewage spill at the Whangamata treatment plant.

As the untreated sewage started leaking into the sea about 10,000 holidaymakers at Whangamata Beach were enjoying their first fine day in the surf, sand and sun after several days of heavy rain.

Thames Coromandel District Council spokesman Peter Hazael said a malfunction at the pumping station followed an early morning power cut lasting several hours.

"A generator cut in but something malfunctioned in the system, we are not sure what yet. Some sewage went out into the stormwater and into the harbour."

Whangamata surf club spokesman Richard Scelly said lifeguards were told about 2pm that there had been a "major spill".

"To clear the beach is a major decision," he said. "To do it on a sunny day, on New Year's Eve - it must be fairly serious."

Medical Officer of Health Dr Dell Hood said it was lucky the spill was at high tide because the water would help to dilute the sewage.

The beach was expected to reopen this morning.