People hospitalised after drinking contaminated water at North Canterbury campground

Thursday 16 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 16 Oct 2025, 7:48pm

In this story Taumata Arowai

Six people were hospitalised and dozens more fell ill after drinking water from a contaminated private supply at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp. The outbreak, which affected visitors including schoolchildren, is linked to shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Taumata Arowai was alerted to the gastrointestinal illness cases by the National Public Health Service.

How they headlined it

4:50pm6:59pm

1. The PressThu 16 Oct 2025, 4:50pm

   Six left in hospital and dozens sick from contaminated drinking water at Hanmer Springs camp (opens in new tab)

2. RNZThu 16 Oct 2025, 6:59pm

   Six people hospitalised after drinking water at Canterbury campground (opens in new tab)

3. StuffThu 16 Oct 2025, 7:24pm

   Contaminated drinking water plagues North Canterbury campground (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZThu 16 Oct 2025, 7:31pm

   Six in hospital after drinking water at Canterbury campground (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesThu 16 Oct 2025, 7:48pm

   Six hospitalised after drinking water at Canterbury campground (opens in new tab)