North Auckland oyster farmers have been hit with a wave of uncertainty. 

Norovirus has been found in the Mahurangi River where the shellfish are grown, resulting in contaminated product and closures until further notice.  

They're blaming Watercare and Auckland Council, claiming they let sewage flows get out of control before infrastructure could catch up. 

Watercare says a new pipeline should be completed in 2028. 

Matakana Oysters co-owner Tom Walters told Mike Hosking it’s too little too late for many of the businesses, who have been begging for measures to be introduced for years. 

He says there’s been no accountability from Watercare or the council, or compensation after the growth and development of the area cost them their farms and livelihoods.  

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