Shellfish continue to be toxic following the latest round of tests, and people should continue to avoid collecting or eating shellfish from a large area along the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline.
Ongoing weekly test results confirm that shellfish along the entire coastline from Tairua including Tairua Harbour and south including Whiritoa, Whangamata, Onemana and east along the Bay of Plenty coastline from Waihi Beach, including Tauranga harbour to the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Eastern Bay of Plenty still hold high levels of paralytic shellfish poison.

Included in the warning are all inshore islands within the above area. The coastline east of Ohope beach is unaffected.
'A number of reports have been received of significant health effects in people who have continued to eat shellfish” says Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack.
'Two people have been admitted to hospital, at least another four have been seen in emergency departments and there are anecdotal reports of other people whose symptoms have resolved without the need for medical attention. This emphasises the importance of the health warning being observed.”
Symptoms can include numbness and tingling round the mouth as well as more severe neurological problems such as muscle weakness, a lack of coordination and problems with breathing. Anyone with such symptoms should seek medical attention.
The health warning includes all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops, catseyes and kina. Paua, crayfish and crabs can still be taken but as always, the gut should be removed before cooking.