Eel deaths in stream

Staff of two councils are investigating pollution thought to have caused the deaths of more than 100 eels in a stream near Hastings this week. The eels were discovered in Ruahapia Stream, near Kenilworth Rd and the Hawke’s Bay showgrounds. A statement said Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council staff are investigating the cause of the deaths, which started on Tuesday. HBRC group manager of regulation Katrina Brunton said the regional council is gathering information on the likely cause of the eel deaths before deciding the next steps, but it needs information from the public. “We have zero tolerance for pollution incidents, particularly where they cause significant environmental harm. Anyone who has information to give us a better picture of what happened should contact our 24/7 pollution hotline on 0800 108 838, whether anonymously or otherwise.”