New methods have been introduced to try to reduce the smell coming from Wanganui's malfunctioning wastewater treatment plant.
Mayor Annette Main said intensive work was being done at the site that helped to gradually reduce the unpleasant odour, which has been wafting across Wanganui since early December.
The malfunction is believed to have been caused by a local industry dumping protein material, although the offender has not yet been identified.
"Staff and contractors have been working very long hours to try to combat the smell and we've had some encouraging news about the new odour neutralisation system which seems to be improving the smell from the site," she said.
"Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions from outside our district that the whole of Wanganui stinks all the time but it's only occasionally not constantly, and not in all areas.