A large pool of brown wastewater has spewed onto the street near Parliament and into Wellington’s harbour. 

Wellington Water said the overflow was due to a burst pipe that carries wastewater under pressure. 

“The overflow is continuing and is currently discharging into the harbour at Ara Moana”, Wellington Water reported on social media. 

“We are arranging signage at the discharge points and at usual points along the harbour.” 

Sampling will begin as soon as possible. 

Wellington Water said it was working quickly to fix the problem and people have been asked to avoid the area in the meantime. 

A spokeswoman said Wellington Water was holding a meeting about the situation at 12.30 and would provide more information after that. 

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.