End of Season Medians
We have a four tier status system for end of season results. This is based on assessing the risk of contamination at a coastal swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci (Ent.). Find out more about what we test for
Blue:
Suitable for swimming 95-100% of the time
Green:
Suitable for swimming 90-95% of the time

Orange:
Suitable for swimming 75-90% of the time
Red:
Suitable for swimming less than 75% of the time
Results
The table below shows the end of season 2012-2013 medians for coastal water sites sampled in Northland. All locations are in alphabetical order.
Far North
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the Far North testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the North East testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
| LOCATION |
Site No. |
End of season median |
Compliance
|
| Cable Bay |
105780 |
Blue Median 10
|
100% |
| Coopers Beach |
101066 |
Blue Median 10
|
100% |
| Matauri Bay |
102425 |
Blue Median 10
|
100% |
| Taipa |
105777 |
Blue Median 10
|
100% |
North West (Hokianga Harbour)
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the North West testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
| LOCATION |
Site No. |
End of season median |
Compliance
|
| Omapere |
102317 |
Blue Median 10
|
100% |
| Opononi |
106011 |
Blue Median 10
|
100% |
| Rawene* |
100236* |
Green* Median 10
|
91% |
* 'Combination' test used
South West (Kaipara District)
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the South West testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
* 'Combination' test used
South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the South East testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
* 'Combination' test used
Bay of Islands and Oakura
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
Tutukaka Coast
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the Tutukaka testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
* 'Combination' test used
Whāngārei Heads (including Onerahi and Pataua)
End of season medians results available below. View a map of the Whāngārei Heads testing sites.
To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.
Check before you swim
In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:
- there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
- there has been heavy rain recently.
- the water looks dirty (murky).
- there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
- houses on septic tanks;
- stock with access to the water; or
- a sewage treatment plant discharge.
Who to contact
We are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.
For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.
Far North District Council
Phone: 09 401 5200
Whāngārei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200
Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 3123
Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100
For general information contact:
Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004