Chemical smell causes breathing difficulties in Kawerau
Wednesday 24 September 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Residents in Kawerau have reported a chemical odour resembling burning plastic or rubber since Sunday. The smell has caused some people to have trouble breathing, leading to 26 calls to a pollution hotline. Investigators are currently looking into a home and an industrial site as potential sources.
