Northland tsunami siren testing: Sunday 27 September at 10:00am

On Sunday 27 September 2026, Northland’s tsunami sirens will be tested. They will sound once at 10:00am for up to two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message.
The tsunami sirens are tested twice a year, coinciding with the start and end of daylight saving.
Check if you live, work or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and plan your safest evacuation route.

Tsunami evacuation zones (nrc.govt.nz)

Water testing laboratory

Photo of person testing a fluid in a laboratory.

Our laboratory offers water testing services to the public.

We test the quality and safety of water including:

private water supplies including bores, springs and rivers
swimming pool water
industrial waste
other specialised tests on request

Please contact us for advice before you collect a sample to make sure it is correct for the analysis required.

Our laboratory is accredited with International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) for a range of chemical and microbiological tests.

We also:

test Whangārei's public drinking water supply to make sure it meets the standards set by New Zealand's water services regulator Taumata Arowai
monitor the District's sewage discharges to ensure consent requirements are met.

Water testing fees and sample forms

Fees for testing

Current charges for specific sample tests we perform can be found within the Fees and Charges. Eftpos payment is available.

Laboratory testing fees and charges

Directions for taking samples

Find out more about taking water samples and form to submit a water sample:

Location

79 Kioreroa Road, Port Whangārei, Whangārei 0110 View Map

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Google Map

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Facility Snapshot

Features

Accessible access
Parking

Contact

09 430 4220

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday
- 08:00 AM–04:00 PM
Tuesday
- 08:00 AM–04:00 PM
Wednesday
- 08:00 AM–04:00 PM
Thursday
- 08:00 AM–04:00 PM
Friday
- 08:00 AM–04:00 PM
Saturday Closed

Closed on public holidays.
All samples should be received before 3:30pm.

Report it

Use our online forms to report water issues.

Report an issue

Postal address

Water Testing Laboratory
Kioreroa Road
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

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New bylaws may affect new approvals

From Friday 25 September 2026, three new bylaws are now in force: Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw; Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw; and Signs Bylaw. Existing permits and exemptions remain valid, but some new approvals may be affected.
We’re updating our website to reflect the new rules. If you have any questions, email: BylawEnforcement@wdc.govt.nz.

Public notice and bylaw links

Announcement

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Notice of temporary dog access rule

Under clause 10.1 of Whangarei District Council’s Dog Control Bylaw 2024, the area of Okara – former Old Boys rugby grounds playing fields is temporarily closed to the public, including for dog access, until further notice due to multiple safety hazards identified on site.

Read public notice

Temporary Closure

Wastewater network capacity

We are carefully managing the capacity of our wastewater network in Ruakākā and parts of Whangārei Heads. Before applying for a Resource Consent or Building Consent, please contact us to find out whether your project may be impacted.

Submit an online customer request

Announcement

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Hātea walkway swing bridge temporarily closed

The Hātea walkway swing bridge on the walking trail from A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park to Whangārei Falls is closed following a failed safety inspection. We are working with specialist engineers and contractors to replace the bridge structure to ensure necessary stabilisation and safety improvements.

See the project page for details

Temporary Closure

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Broadleaf weed treatment

Broadleaf weed control treatments will be taking place at selected parks, reserves and playgrounds throughout September and October 2026. See which areas are being treated and read the guidance for visiting a treated area.

Read public notice

Announcement

Te Matau a Pohe bridge marine, pedestrian and traffic closure

Te Matau a Pohe will be closed from 2:00pm to 10:00pm on Saturday 26 September 2026.
This is for an event being held on Dave Culham Drive (from Port Road to Riverside Drive, including the bridge) for the International Rally of Whangārei.
Only pedestrians who have paid to attend the rally event will be able to cross the bridge.
Skippers are encouraged to contact Bridge Control prior to setting off.

Get information about road closures for the rally

Temporary Closure

GIS maps and Whangārei ePlan outage

Due to planned maintenance, our GIS maps and Whangārei ePlan (District Plan) will be unavailable between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on Sunday 27 September 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Announcement

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