The Ngongotaha stream is one of seven contaminated waterways in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Ben Fraser
We asked people if they knew the Ngongotahā Stream wasn't safe for swimming and whether it was a surprise.
I didn't know. So many people swim in there. It's the same view I have of Lake Rotorua, it all links up. It does come as a surprise, I thought it was a really clean, nice river.
Mikaela Frost, 25
Ngongotahā
I didn't know it was unsafe but we'll still come fishing here.
Paoro Murirere, 18
Koutu
I did not know that. I thought it was safe to swim in there. I've not been swimming in there though. I'm not surprised.
Nikora Orchard, 44
Ngongotahā
I didn't know it was unsafe. I'm surprised.
Sonny Hicks, 18
Ngongotahā
Patrick Neho claimed he did it to feed his children. In reality, he fed his addictions.