Gore residents told not to drink tap water due to high nitrate levels
Photo:
RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Residents in the Southland district of Gore are being told not drink tap water, after high levels of nitrate were found in the water supply.
Gore District Council said testing at Cooper's Well had revealed elevated levels of nitrate and while the health risk was low, people should avoid using tap water for drinking and food preparation as a precaution.
It said Mataura's water was unaffected.
The councils said boiling water did not remove nitrates and free drinking water would be available at the Eccles Street playground, Hokonui Drive by the fire station, Grace Church on Hamilton Street, and Wentworth Street by Talbot Street.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
17 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Social media age restriction needed to protect young people from harm
ABC social media graphic. Photo: Supplied/ABC A University of Auckland senior research fellow is calling for social media platforms to introduce enforced age limits, to help protect young people from harm. A briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre has outlined growing evidence social media use is linked to a range of mental and physical health problems. It highlights policy options for addressing these harms, including restricting access to social media for those under 16. Currently, the age limit to join the majority of platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat is 13, but it is not enforced. "Introducing an age restriction is the only comprehensive measure that addresses the full range of social media-related harms to young people," said author Dr Samantha Marsh. "It also empowers parents to set boundaries and shift social norms in a positive direction." Marsh said while social media may offer some benefits for some young people, such as helping connect with peers and find support, she warned these must be weighed carefully against mounting evidence of harm. "There's a huge imbalance. The weight of evidence showing that these platforms can negatively affect youth mental health has become too great to ignore," she said. "We now have years of consistent findings: young people who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. "These findings come not only from surveys, but also from longitudinal studies, randomised trials, and robust systematic reviews." Marsh said any changes to social media access should be accompanied by a coordinated effort to provide on and offline support for vulnerable youth, as well as empowering communication campaigns. The briefing's release coincides with the government's inquiry into online harms experienced by young people, which is currently open for public consultation, with submissions closing on 30 July . Marsh said the inquiry was a vital opportunity to build healthier digital environments. "Political decision-makers now have a strong enough evidence base to act. Delaying access to social media and supporting youth and whānau through a coordinated public health response is the path forward."
RNZ News
17 hours ago
- RNZ News
Hysteroscopy outpatient service at North Shore Hospital to speed up diagnosis
North Shore Hospital in Auckland. Photo: rafaelbenari/123RF A new outpatient hysteroscopy service at Auckland's North Shore Hospital will help gynaecological patients get a faster diagnosis. Health Minister Simeon Brown said it combines their first specialist assessment (FSA) and diagnostic procedure into a single visit. "This is a practical, patient-focused pathway that means women can get the answers they need sooner, without the stress and delays of multiple appointments or hospital admission," Brown said. A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside the womb (uterus) and at the lining of the womb. A sample (biopsy) of the lining is usually taken as part of a diagnostic hysteroscopy, to look for abnormalities. Patients with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular periods and infertility might be referred for a hysteroscopy. "Previously, women needing a hysteroscopy would attend an initial specialist appointment and then wait weeks to undergo the procedure in theatre under general anaesthetic." Brown said the new approach removed that delay for women suitable for the treatment. "Now, women needing an uncomplicated hysteroscopy procedure can choose to have both the specialist assessment and the procedure in a single outpatient appointment. "That means fewer hospital visits, less time off work or away from family, and a much more streamlined experience. "For women with a high suspicion of cancer, this pathway can reduce the diagnostic timeline by two to six weeks compared to traditional models. That time could make all the difference." Health Minister Simeon Brown. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER North Shore Hospital expects to deliver around 60 outpatient hysteroscopy clinics over the next 12 months, with approximately 240 procedures. "Every outpatient procedure frees up valuable theatre space and clinical teams for patients who require more complex surgery. That's better for patients, and better for the whole system," Brown said. The new service meant a significant proportion of uncomplicated hysteroscopies that would have otherwise been performed in theatre under anaesthesia can now be done safely as outpatient procedures. "This is part of a regional effort to improve the quality, timeliness, and experience of care for women undergoing investigation for gynaecological cancers. "It will also play an important role in meeting our faster cancer treatment target by speeding up diagnosis and helping women start treatment sooner." The new service followed similar successful models already operating in Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waikato. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- RNZ News
Government removes barrier in bid to increase counsellors in public mental health workforce
Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. Photo: 123rf A barrier preventing hundreds of counsellors from working in publicly funded mental health services has been removed. Health New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), has finalised a strengthened accreditation pathway. Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. Health NZ, alongside the largest counselling membership and accredited professional body, NZAC, worked on one recognised and robust accreditation pathway. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said it is a "common-sense step" that unlocks existing workforce capacity at a time of high demand. "I've been clear from day one, workforce shortages are one of the key barriers to delivering timely mental health support for New Zealanders in their time of need," Doocey said. "This is a practical and common-sense decision that ensures we're making full use of the experienced counsellors already working in our communities." He said there are more than 330 counsellors now eligible through this expanded pathway and the move is expected to bolster primary mental health workforce initiatives. "We are starting to turn the corner with reducing wait times and increasing the workforce. We have more mental health nurses, psychologists, support workers and addiction counsellors working on the ground, and overall vacancy rates are starting to ease," Doocey said. "While many challenges remain, this is yet another step this Government is taking to turn the corner on the longstanding mental health workforce vacancies. "When someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
