Havelock North water contamination inquiry finds authorities failed to adhere to high standards of care.
Hastings District Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and drinking water authorities all failed to adhere to the high standards of care and diligence necessary to protect public health, the Government inquiry into the Havelock North gastro outbreak has found.
More than 5000 people were struck down from last August’s e-coli contamination.
Source: 1 NEWS The inquiry findings are being released today at the Hastings District Court.
The Government inquiry has now released its findings.
Source: 1 NEWS Around 5500 people fell ill with a gastro illness in August last year and it’s believed three people died as a result of a campylobacter outbreak.
It says the DHB responded well to the outbreak, but the District Council had some major failings.
It failed to have an emergency response plan, didn’t put a boil water notice out in time, and failed to have an up to date contact list for vulnerable individuals, schools and childcare centres.
The inquiry found the relationship between the district and regional councils was dysfunctional and a lack of collaboration resulted in a number of missed opportunities.
Water in Havelock North and Hastings will be chlorinated for at least another year.