Water Pollution

Pollution is where a contaminant, which can affect the environment or residents in the area, is being discharged into water. It also includes activities which will/are altering the natural environment such as draining wetlands and diverting streams or rivers.

Oil Pollution

Throughout the region Bay of Plenty Regional Council, in partnership with Maritime New Zealand and the Port of Tauranga Ltd, is responsible for marine oil pollution training, response, mitigation and clean up to a Tier II level.

Maritime New Zealand conducted a risk assessment survey throughout New Zealand in 1993. As a result of this, various items of oil pollution response equipment were purchased and distributed throughout the ports of New Zealand. The Regional On-Scene Commander is the person who manages the response and clean-up operation, looks after, maintains and uses the equipment Maritime New Zealand issued Bay of Plenty Regional.

Areas requiring special protection have been identified. These may include endangered wildlife, cultural considerations or places of natural beauty or public amenity.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is also responsible for all the local training and exercises and, with the Port of Tauranga, local harbour contractors maintain the oil spill equipment and administer a pool of labour trained for any form of marine oil pollution response.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council will attend complaints about unauthorised activities that are polluting the environment. If any marine pollution or hazard to navigation is observed it should be reported immediately by phoning the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's 24-hour Pollution Hotline:

Pollution Hotline: 0800 884 883