The first day of the government inquiry into the Havelock North water contamination crisis got underway today. The inquiry will focus on establishing the facts rather than finger pointing, to find out what exactly caused the biggest campylobacter outbreak from a water supply in New Zealand.
The public packed the courthouse wanting answers to what caused 5,200 people to contract the nasty tummy bug campylobacter.
Local resident Victoria Whaanga says, “Adding chlorine to the water cleared it that was horrible because we're still drinking it and we still drinking it today so we don't use the tap water we actually buy our water.”
Ngāti Kahungunu Kaumatua Jerry Hapuku says, “It's a good start for the judge. We heard both sides today, and also from the Hastings District Council. It was good to hear both sides of the case.”
The inquiry will focus on finding the source and cause of the outbreak that happened in August, the adequacy of the response as well as preventative measures for the future.
QC representative for Hastings District Council Matt Casey says, “They acknowledge that council has the responsibility for delivering safe drinking water to its communities and that it failed to do so on this occasion.”
However, it will not look at civil, criminal or disciplinary liability but rather look at fault and if any organisation or person is to blame.
Counsel assisting inquiry Nathan Gedye says, “We will be looking at the water safety plan produced by Hasting District Council and all other plans or management protocols held by the key parties, the regional council, district health board and the ministries.”